The Colombo High Court has scheduled the bail hearing for Pastor Jerome Fernando, currently in remand, for January 4th. The order was issued during the hearing of the bail application before Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabandi today (20).
Senior government lawyer Shaminda Wickrama, representing the Attorney General, presented facts and objections related to the case, requesting a later date for the hearing. President’s Attorney Anuja Premaratne, representing Jerome Fernando, urged the court to hear the petition on the same day, considering the upcoming Christmas season and the suspect’s devout Christian faith.
The senior government counsel objected, emphasizing the need for normal procedural hearing and pointing out the applicability of the law to other cases. The judge concurred and ordered the petition to be heard on January 4, allowing respondents time to file objections.
Jerome Fernando, arrested for alleged offenses under the United Nations Convention on Civil and Political Rights, including making insulting statements about other religions, is currently in remand. He filed a petition before the Colombo High Court, challenging the Fort Magistrate’s order and seeking release on bail.
