VIDEO: Azath Salley released after sending affidavit to President

Former CMC member and National Unity Alliance General Secretary Azath Salley, who was receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital under CID custody, was released today.

He has been released unconditionally and has been transferred to a private hospital in Colombo, a family member of the politician told Ada Derana.

Salley was arrested on May 02 by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and investigated for allegedly threatened the peace of the country and unity among racial groups within the country, through statements made to electronic and print media.

His arrest under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with a statement made to the Indian publication ‘Junior Vikatan’ on April 24, 2013 had stirred controversy within the country with opposition parties condemning the act as “political revenge” by the government. 

Salley had launched a hunger strike while in custody and was hospitalized on several occasions due to refusing meals and medication. 

Director General of the Media Centre for National Security, Lakshman Hulugalla had said during a press conference that the CID are investigating 18 complaints including the statements allegedly made by Salley in Tamil Nadu and an alleged financial fraud.

Salley’s release was secured after he had sent an affidavit to President Mahinda Rajapaksa detailing his arrest by the CID, the situation which had led to his arrest and requesting the President to do justice.

In the affidavit Salley states that he had been misquoted by Junior Vikatan magazine, published in India, in the interview given by him and that upon realizing this had requested them to publish a correction, which they had done.  

“As a Sri Lankan Muslim I don’t advocate or support anyone to take up arms against the Republic of Sri Lanka as I am fully aware of the consequences and the costs of such a course of action as seen through the three decade war in Sri Lanka,” he states.    

Salley further states that he stood for and will continue to stand for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and for the equal rights of all communities.