The Supreme Court was informed today (23) that the arrest and prolonged remand of a Mawanella youth under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) were unlawful, with the responsible Police officer apologizing and agreeing to pay compensation.
Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhel, 21, had been remanded for nearly nine months after the Police alleged he posted content on social media in October 2024, harming the Israeli flag.
Appearing before the court, former Dehiwala Police OIC H.M.A.B. Herath admitted that false information had been presented to the Magistrate’s Court, leading to the youth’s detention.
He expressed regret, acknowledged a violation of fundamental rights, and handed over Rs. 2 million in compensation in open court.
The petition was heard before Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Janak de Silva and Sampath Wijeratne.
Counsel for the petitioner, Hejaaz Hizbullah, noted that the Attorney General had advised there was no basis for charges, resulting in the youth’s release by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court.
Both parties agreed to settle the case, and the Supreme Court bench ordered the conclusion of proceedings.
The youth also undertook to withdraw a complaint filed with the Human Rights Commission against the Police officer.
The 21‑year‑old youth had filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court, claiming that the Police violated his fundamental rights by arresting him and remanding him under the PTA based on false information alleging he had posted content on social media harming the Israeli flag. (Newswire)