Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena said that the order regarding the health condition of retired Major General Suresh Saleh, the former head of state intelligence, who was arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday terror attacks and is being questioned under detention orders, will be announced on the 10th. That was when the case was taken up yesterday afternoon.
Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, who appeared before the court on behalf of the Criminal Investigation Department, requested that a specialist forensic medical board be appointed through the Director General of Health to examine the health condition of former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Saleh, who is being interrogated under detention orders.
President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, who appeared in court on behalf of the suspect, requested the court to provide him with a suitable environment to receive treatment for the condition, as he has been suffering from anxiety and depression since being taken into custody and has a tendency to commit suicide.
The President’s Counsel, who appeared on behalf of the suspect Suresh Saleh, submitted a medical report submitted by a team of five specialist psychiatrists to the court today.
At that time, the Additional Solicitor General, who appeared for the Criminal Investigation Department, requested the court to reject the medical report.
At that time, President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando presented the following facts to the court.
“Your Honor, your predecessor Magistrate examined this suspect on March 24th. At the place where he was detained at the Criminal Investigation Department. This court has recorded questions and answers in this regard. The suspect has stated as follows. I am suffering from migraine. I was detained without facilities. I spent the night without electricity. Later that day, a group of officers dressed in white came to examine me. They asked me to take off my clothes. I was found with migraine tablets. After ten at night, I am not allowed to go to the bathroom or anywhere. There are problems with rats. I have to say something in particular. The investigating officers treat me well. That is a relief for me. But something else is happening on the other side. The President’s Counsel informed the court that the suspect Suresh Sale had given his answers.
Giving further information regarding the incident, the President’s Counsel stated as follows.
” From that day until today, the cruel treatment in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department has been My client has been subjected to torture and inhuman and degrading treatment. That is stated in the medical reports. The Criminal Investigation Department should take responsibility for it.
The medical report provided by the psychiatrist states that my client has been subjected to mental torture on 7 occasions. It has been stated that he is at high risk of suicide as he is suffering from anxiety and depression.
There is an international obligation against being subjected to cruel torture. Domestic laws should be formulated for this. Action should be taken in this regard under the Torture Act of 1984. Furthermore, the facts should be considered according to the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Proper medical treatment should be provided for this situation. The matter of this torture should be presented to the Attorney General through the Inspector General of Police and he should independently look into it and file indictments against the relevant persons. The Attorney General is still on behalf of the Criminal Investigation Department. So how can the work of the law be done independently?”
Additional Solicitor General Dilipa Peiris, who appeared in court on behalf of the Criminal Investigation Department, stated that Suresh Sale is engaged in an Oscar-worthy performance.
Further explaining the incident to the court, the Additional Solicitor General stated as follows.
Additional Solicitor General
“Your Honor, the suspect in the incident was arrested on February 25th and then he requested the court to issue orders that deviate from tradition. He came to court for two or three days. On May 4th, doctors will examine him. On May 18th, medical reports will be received. If he has such a condition, why did he wait until now to file a motion in court? The suspect’s son, brother and lawyers will come to meet the Criminal Investigation Department.
“They acted in a drama. They asked for the transfer of Director Shani of the Criminal Investigation Department. Now they are doing a brilliant performance that can be awarded Oscars. “Your Majesty, they have misled the court and filed a writ petition in the Court of Appeal. You were not even informed about it. They are playing a baseless role.”
The Magistrate, who considered the facts presented, stated that the order regarding the requests submitted by both parties will be given on the 10th.