'Pastor' Jerome's sermon not an offence under ICCPR Act: Court

Colombo Fort Magistrate orders his release on bail after warning him not to make any statements in future that damaged religious harmony

Controversial ‘Pastor’ Jerome Fernando was granted bail on Wednesday after the Colombo Fort Magistrate deemed that the alleged statements he made in his “sermon” that allegedly insulted other religions did not fall under an offence defined by the ICCPR Act.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage made the observation after video footage of the “sermon” was played in open court. The “pastor” had earlier been remanded under the ICCPR Act by the magistrate after submission of a written transcript of the “sermon.”

The suspect was released on a cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and two sureties of Rs. 10 million each.

Video footage of the “sermon” was played in open court 33 days after the suspect was first remanded on December 1. When he was produced in court, the suspect said he was rendering an unconditional apology over his statement and would no longer make such statements.

Making submissions on behalf of the suspect, Anuja Premaratne, PC, requested the court to release his client on bail.

The magistrate granted bail after warning him not to make any statements in future that damaged religious harmony. The magistrate ordered that one of the suspect’s sureties must be a close relative and also imposed a foreign travel ban on him.

The Criminal Investigation

Department (CID), meanwhile, informed the court that it was investigating how funds were funnelled into the suspect’s bank accounts.

It added that an investigation had been launched into the suspect under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and that funds amounting to Rs. 12.26 billion had been found circulating in his accounts. The CID said it was investigating 396 bank accounts belonging to the suspect’s wife. The case will be taken up again on February 5.