Welisara Magistrate Thusitha Dhammika Uduwavidana expressed surprise yesterday over the Attorney General’s decision to close the case file concerning the deaths of 11 inmates during the 2020 Mahara Prison unrest.
The Magistrate raised concerns about the decision during a hearing at the Welisara Magistrate’s Court, noting that the Attorney General had previously assured the Court of Appeal that indictments against the officials implicated in the incident would be filed within three months.
Prominent attorney and rights advocate, Senaka Perera, highlighted the seriousness of the Attorney General’s directive to halt further investigations. He argued that the decision contradicted an earlier ruling by the Welisara Magistrate’s Court, which classified the deaths as a criminal act and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The Attorney General’s notification to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) not to proceed with the case has drawn criticism, with Mr. Perera emphasizing that such actions undermine justice for the deceased inmates and their families. The Magistrate deferred a decision on the closure of the case to December 13.
The incident at Mahara Prison occurred on November 29, 2020, when inmates protested, demanding PCR tests to identify COVID-19 infections and the transfer of infected individuals to hospitals for proper treatment. The protest escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of 11 inmates.
The upcoming hearing is expected to determine the future of the case as legal representatives and families of the victims continue to seek justice.