In a significant move to expedite the delivery of justice for the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019, the long-running trial has shifted into an accelerated phase, with proceedings now scheduled to be heard daily at a newly-designated Court Complex in Colombo 7.
The inaugural sitting at the new premises commenced yesterday (26) at 1:45 p.m. before a Trial-at-Bar Bench chaired by High Court Judge Navaratne Marasinghe. The case was adjourned to resume at 9:45 a.m. today (27).
Naufer Moulavi, Sajid Moulavi, Hayathu Mohammadu Ahammadu Milhan, Mohamed Ibrahim Sadiq Abdul Haq, Adam Lebbe alias Gafoor, Mohammad Samsuddin, and Mohammad Rizwan, among a total of 24 accused, have been indicted by the Attorney General in this case.
Following a directive by the Chief Justice to fast-track the case, the Trial-at-Bar has been relocated to the residence formerly occupied by the late MP Sanath Nishantha. The special High Court is now operational at No. 409, Section 76, Bauddhaloka Mawatha.
The Attorney General filed the main indictment on 10 August 2021, levelling a staggering 23,270 charges against 25 suspects. The charges encompass conspiracy, preparation, and execution of the coordinated suicide bombings, aiding and abetting, collecting arms, the murder of 268 individuals, and causing injury to 594 others.
Due to the sheer volume of the indictment, reading the full list of charges in Open Court was deemed impractical, with estimates suggesting it would require nearly three years. Consequently, the Attorney General’s Department, the defence, and the Court agreed to a shortened procedure, which was concluded in February 2023.
Currently, 24 accused remain in the dock following the death of one suspect, Yasin Bawa Abdul Rauf, while in custody.
None of the accused have pleaded guilty to the charges. Furthermore, they have refused to acknowledge that the explosions at the eight targeted locations were suicide attacks.
To date, investigators have recorded nearly 8,000 statements and analysed approximately 100,000 sets of telephone data. Between 60 and 70 witnesses have testified so far.
The trial was formerly limited to eight days of sittings per month to accommodate the schedules of the presiding judges — Justices Damith Thotawatta and Amal Ranaraja — who have since been elevated to the Court of Appeal.
Additionally, proceedings were slowed by an appeal filed by the 15th suspect, challenging a High Court ruling on the admissibility of a confession. While this appeal is pending before the Supreme Court, both the prosecution and defence have agreed to proceed with the remaining evidence to prevent further stagnation.
