The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has received information suggesting that approximately 20 prisoners were released illegally using the presidential pardon granted by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for the last Vesak Poya, a senior police officer said.
It has also been revealed that such illegal releases occurred not only at the Anuradhapura Prison but also at other prisons across Sri Lanka.
Investigation units are also concerned about prisoners who were legally entitled to be released under the presidential pardon but are still being held in custody, raising human rights concerns regarding their continued imprisonment after their lawful release date.
The CID, which has initiated investigations at the Anuradhapura Prison, has arrested the Assistant Prison Superintendent last evening (8th) in connection with the investigation into the alleged misuse of the Presidential Amnesty to release other prisoners illegally.
