Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General today (16) told the Appeal Court that Pastor Jerome Fernando, a self-crowned prophet who is under scrutiny for an alleged derogatory comment about other religions, cannot be given special treatment under the law.
Representing the Attorney General, Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrama relayed this stance during the hearing of a writ petition by Fernando.
The Pastor is seeking an injunction to prevent his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The case was heard by an Appeals Court panel, which included the President of the Court of Appeal, Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, and Justice Chamath Morais.
Speaking for religious leaders named as respondents in the petition, including Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena told the court they wouldn’t object to Pastor Jerome’s request if he commits to presenting himself to the CID promptly upon his return to the country, without facing arrest at the airport.
However, he emphasised his clients’ expectation that the law be fully enforced against the Pastor. This stance was firmly opposed by Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrama.
Emphasising the principle of equal application of the law, Wickrama stated that no special provisions can be made for Pastor Jerome Fernando.
On 26th May, Fernando submitted a petition to the court, through his legal representatives, aiming to stave off his arrest.
The respondents listed in this petition include the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the DIG overseeing the CID, the CID director, and the head of the CID’s cybercrimes unit.
In his petition, Pastor Jerome labelled the CID’s attempts to apprehend him as illegal, asserting that the police have failed to provide any substantive evidence to the court indicating his remarks disrupt religious harmony in the nation.
