In a highly anticipated ruling, the Colombo High Court has acquitted former Minister Rajitha Senaratne and two others in the controversial white van abduction case. The case, which had garnered widespread attention, centered on allegations that Senaratne’s statements during a 2019 media conference prejudiced then-presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa by linking him to alleged abductions carried out using white vans.
Key Points from the Ruling
Delivering the judgment, High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka stated that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the allegations. A critical shortcoming in the prosecution’s case was the absence of testimony from a key witness who could have corroborated the claims.
The judge further noted that there was no evidence to demonstrate that Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s candidacy had been prejudiced, nor was there sufficient proof to convict the defendants.
Acquittal Without Defense Testimony
At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, the defense submitted a request for an acquittal without the need for presenting their case. Judge Nissanka upheld this request, ruling that the evidence on record did not justify further proceedings.
“As the prosecution failed to substantiate its claims, the defendants are acquitted and released without the necessity of calling for a defense,” Judge Nissanka stated.
Political and Legal Implications
The white van case has been a focal point of political debate in Sri Lanka, symbolizing allegations of enforced disappearances and human rights abuses. The media conference that sparked the case drew intense scrutiny, with claims that it influenced the 2019 presidential election.
The acquittal of Senaratne and the others is expected to generate significant political reactions, potentially reigniting discussions on the use of legal cases in the political sphere.
Conclusion
This judgment concludes a highly charged legal battle that became emblematic of broader political tensions in Sri Lanka. As the dust settles, the case’s outcome will likely continue to influence public discourse on accountability and the intersection of law and politics in the country.
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