The Colombo Fort Magistrate has confronted the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in open court regarding a case involving allegations against Pastor Jerome Fernando, who has been released on bail, for purportedly making derogatory statements against other religions, including Buddhism.
The complaint, pertaining to the investigation against Jerome Fernando under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, was filed by the CID before the Magistrate's Court in Mt. Lavinia.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the Fort Magistrate admonished the CID in open court, asserting their inability to select a preferred court.
During the hearing convened before Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage, Jerome Fernando, who was previously granted bail in connection with the incident, appeared in court.
Subsequently, officials from the Computer Crime Investigation Division of the CID provided testimony before the court, indicating that further investigations would be carried out regarding the related video footage.
The officers informed the court that the matter had been reported to the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate's Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act concerning the suspect, and additional investigation would ensue.
The Magistrate posed a query to the CID officials regarding the filing of the complaint before the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate's Court.
In response, the CID officials stated that another police team is conducting the investigation.
Expressing concern over jurisdictional matters, the Magistrate questioned the CID's decision to transfer the case to another court and cautioned that failure to file it before the appropriate court would result in an investigation against the CID.
Furthermore, the Magistrate instructed the CID officers to adhere to properly gazetted judicial zones.
