Court orders CID not to arrest Pastor Jerome but record statement

• CID has already commenced investigations against Pastor Jerome for allegedly insulting other religions

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Court of Appeal yesterday issued an order directing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) not to arrest Pastor Jerome Fernando on his arrival at the airport or anywhere in connection with his controversial Sunday sermon. The Court directed Pastor Jerome to make a statement to the CID within 48 hours of his arrival.

The Court further announced that subject to the petitioner Pastor Jerome giving a statement to the CID, he is allowed to face the law according to normal legal procedure in Sri Lanka.

Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Chamath Morais made this order pursuant to a writ petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando seeking an order preventing police from arresting him.

Justice Karunaratne announced that the interim order sought by the petitioner was refused. However, the Court directed the registrar to issue notices on the respondents in the petition.

The CID has already commenced investigations against Pastor Jerome for insulting other religions and for the alleged commission of offences under section 291B of the Penal Code and section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act of 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.
Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema appeared for the Attorney General. Jagath Wickramanayake PC appeared for the Petitioner Jerome Fernando.        

•  It is alleged that, on or about May 18, 2023, Jerome Fernando had made numerous statements that are derogatory of other religions, specifically of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam