Witnesses summoned in trial against businessman father of Easter Sunday bombers

The evidence phase of the trial against prominent businessman Yusuf Mohamed Ibrahim, father of Ibrahim Ilham Ahamed and Ibrahim Inshaf Ahamed implicated in the bombings of two luxury hotels in Colombo during the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019, is set to commence on 16 June before the Colombo High Court. 

This directive was issued by Colombo High Court Judge Navaratne Marasinghe on Thursday.

Ibrahim, along with two brothers of the attackers, all residents of Mahawila Park in Dematagoda, face accusations of failing to alert the authorities despite possessing foreknowledge of the planned attack orchestrated by the terrorist organisation under the leadership of mastermind Zahran Hashim, among other charges. Ibrahim along with one of his sons is currently out on bail.

The judge also directed the issuance of summons to three prosecution witnesses in the case to appear before the court on that day and provide evidence on behalf of the prosecution.

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama represented the prosecution, while Anuja Premaratne PC appeared for the defence, along with counsels Niroshana Siriwardena and Chaminda Athukorala. 

The Attorney General has filed a case against Ibrahim and his two sons, Ismail Ibrahim and Ijaz Ahmed under provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Penal Code.