AG forwards indictments against Hizbullah, Madrasa school principal

• Indictments forwarded to Puttalam HC
• The two face charges under PTA, ICCPR Act

The Attorney General Department yesterday forwarded indictments to the Puttalam High Court against Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah and Wanathawilluwa Puttlam Madrasa School Principal Mohammed Shakeel. The two are facing charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, Co-ordinating Officer to the AG State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said.

They are indicted under Section 2 (1) (h) of the PTA, Section 3(1) of the ICCPR Act and Section 102 and 113 (a) of the Penal Code.

They stand accused of causing or intending to cause commission of acts of violence or religious, racial, or communal disharmony or feelings of ill‐will or hostility between different communities or racial or religious groups, offences punishable under the PTA.

Under Section 3(1) of the ICCPR Act, they face similar charges. Section 3 (1) states, “No person shall…advocate national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence.”

Under 102 and 113 (a) of the Penal Code, they also face charges of abetment and conspiracy.

Both men are under remand custody.