Hizbullah’s lawyers file writ seeking access

• CA President recuses from hearing 

Detained Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah's lawyers yesterday filed a writ Petition before the Court of Appeal seeking access to Hizbullah. 

When the matter was taken up yesterday, Romesh De Silva PC, appearing on behalf of the Petitioner said that the lawyers have not had any access to Hizbullah since September.  He said they could not obtain instructions from Hizbullah as to what other remedies must be pursued with regard to his detention.

Court of Appeal (CA) President Justice Arjun Obeysekara recused himself from the hearing, stating that he had worked with Hizbullah at the Attorney Generals Department. 

Accordingly, the matter was fixed to be taken up before Justices Priyantha Fernando and Sobitha Rajakaruna on 14 December.

The Petition states that the lawyers of Hizbullah were given access to him only on four occasions and officers of the Criminal Investigations Department were present on all occasions around the lawyers and Hizbullah. The Petition states that the actions are a violations of Hizbullahs and his lawyers’ rights.

Hizbullah was arrested on the 14 April and has been held in detention since. Local and International Lawyers and Human Rights agencies have decried the arrest and detention of the prominent lawyer. 

Romesh De Silva PC instructed by Attorney-at-Law Sanath Wijeywardena appeared from the Petitioner.