Arrested political vlogger released on bail

Social media activist Darshana Handungoda

Popular social media activist and political vlogger Darshana Handungoda who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) was released by the Colombo Fort Magistrates Court under two surety bails yesterday. Handungoda was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on his arrival from the UAE on Sunday.

His release was ordered by Magistrate Thilina Gamage on two surrey bails of Rs. 200,000 each. The case will be taken up again on 17 May.

According to the Police, Handungoda was arrested for failing to provide a statement to the CID in relation to an investigation regarding the release of a video allegedly promoting violence on social media. The CID had summoned Handungoda in May last year, but the vlogger had refused to appear before the CID claiming the police never sent him an official notification calling him in for questioning.

After his release, Handungoda said he was arrested over certain comments made by him near the Temple Trees during an anti-government protest on 9 May 2022. He said he will not be intimidated by such tactics and refused to be afraid.