The people of Vanni and Mannar are protesting and demand the release from detention of Rishad Bathiudeen. People of Vanni staged a protest April 28 in front of the Vavuniya Kachcheri demanding the release from detention of Rishad Bathiudeen, Member of Parliament and Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress. Rishad Bathiudeen was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Saturday on charges of aiding and abetting the suicide bombers of the Easter Sunday attack on 21 April 2019.
The protest was carried out in conformity with the Health Ministry guidelines. Masks were worn and social distancing was maintained. The protestors carried banners and placards in a very peaceful manner.
The protestors carried placards displaying slogans and chanted that the arrest of Rishad Bathiudeen was unjust, illegal and in pursuance of an agenda by the Government to subjugate minority communities.
The protestors also claimed that Rishad Bathiudeen was arrested deliberately with a sinister political agenda to please someone, although he has been proven not to have any connection to the Easter attacks. The protestors further noted that State run intelligence agencies were aware of this as multiple investigations had revealed his innocence.
The protestors further chanted that a Leader who served the people with dignity, humility and dedication should never be framed for offences they have not committed. The Police arrived in riot gear and ordered the protesters to disperse, at which point, the protestors adhered to the protest and left.
The people of Mannar staged a protest April 29 in Mannar demanding the release of Rishad Bathiudeen from detention, Member of Parliament and Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress. The protest was carried out in conformity with the Health Ministry guidelines. Masks were worn and social distancing was maintained. The protestors carried banners and placards in a very peaceful manner.
