18 July 2023 05:53 pm Views - 3088
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issued an order permitting the CID to inspect the details of nine bank accounts maintained by Pastor Jerome Fernando, his wife, the Glorious Church and his company, as a part of ongoing investigations into Pastor Jerome over his hate remarks against religious harmony in the country.
The CID is also conducting investigations into Pastor Jerome Fernando under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage issued this order directing the managers of several private banks to provide all bank transaction details pertaining nine bank accounts to the CID for further investigations.
The CID told court that investigations have so far revealed that funds in billions have circulated via Pastor Jerome's local bank accounts.
The CID has already commenced investigations against Pastor Jerome for insulting other religions and for the alleged commission of offenses under Section 291B of the Penal Code and Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act 56 of 2007.
It is alleged that, on or about May 18, 2023, Jerome Fernando had addressed a large gathering of people and made numerous statements that are derogatory of other religions, specifically of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)