Retrial Ordered in Nadarajah Raviraj Assassination Case ⚖️

The Court of Appeal has overturned the 2016 acquittal of several suspects, including three Navy intelligence officers, in the high-profile assassination of former TNA MP Nadarajah Raviraj. • Legal Development: Justices B. Sasi Mahendran and Amal Ranaraja set aside the previous Colombo High Court verdict following an appeal by the Attorney General. A fresh trial has been ordered. • Key Defendants: The case involves the 2006 killing of MP Raviraj and Police Constable Lakshman. The accused include personnel from the military intelligence sector, a sensitive area for national accountability. • Basis for Retrial: • The court cited "shortcomings" in the original special jury trial. • It noted the High Court Judge failed to properly guide the jury on evaluating evidence from a pardoned accomplice witness. • Concerns were raised over the trial's timing, noting that proceedings continued until 11:00 p.m. with a verdict delivered after midnight. • Historical Context: The 2006 shooting in Colombo remains a significant case for human rights and the rule of law in Sri Lanka, drawing long-standing international scrutiny. The Court of Appeal concluded there is sufficient evidence to proceed, returning the matter to the High Court for a new hearing. (Based on reports by Newswire.lk)