Thauheed Jamad's general Secretary’s bail refused

 

By Shehan Chamika Silva

Thauheed Jamad's General Secratary, Abdhul Razeek who was arrested over insulting Buddhism and reprimanding Ven. Ghanasara Thera in filth language was ordered to be re-remanded till December 9 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Chandana Kalansuriya .

Refusing the bail application moved on behalf of the suspect, the Magistrate observed that the suspect had violated the bail conditions imposed on him by the Colombo Chief Magistrate over another case in which he was accused of insulting Buddhism.

He was earlier on a similar case strictly warned by the CMC to respect all religions equally and avoid actions that would wound any religious belief.

According to the prosecution the suspect had reprimanded the Ghanasara Thera using obscene words at a meeting held in Maligawatta area recently.

Colombo Crimes Division said that the suspect had disregarded the court order imposed on him and behaved continuously insulting Ven. thera and the Buddhism circulating his statements via social media. They said that the suspect’s behavior was not a mere defamation to a single monk but an insult to all ‘sanga’.

Appearing for the suspect counsel Maithri Gunasekara said that the suspect had not acted in contradiction to the previous court warning as his client had only addressed an individual who is a monk but not insulted the Buddhism. He said Ghanasara Thera was also not a monk who behaved according to his religion and had insulted several time his client as well.

Counsel Dharshana P. Ranmuthuge who appeared for the aggrieved party told court that despite the behavior or attitude of Ghanasara thera, such defamations may be a trigger in urging unnecessary conflicts between communities.

He also drew court and prosecution's attention to bring forward charges against the suspect under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, in which such offences are identified as more grievously.