12 sentenced to death in Sri Lanka over 2022 murder of MP
The Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar in Sri Lanka on Wednesday sentenced 12 individuals to death after finding them guilty over the 2022 murder of Amarakeerthi Athukorala.
Mr Athukorala was a member of parliament and was murdered alongside his security officer.
The ruling followed an extended trial in which a total of 42 people were indicted in connection with the killings.
In addition to the death sentences, the court imposed six-month prison terms and suspension for five years, on four other individuals. Another 23 accused were acquitted by the court.
The charges stem from events that unfolded during the nationwide unrest on May 2022.
According to reports, the parliamentarian and his security officer had opened fire at an angry mob of protesters and critically injured two people while they were blocking his vehicle.
The MP and his security were later found murdered later that day inside a nearby building.
(Xinhua/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Anti-Corruption
INEC raises alarm over scammers demanding money for election results, employment Â
The Independent National Electoral Commission has cautioned the public against individuals circulating fake appointment and nomination letters they claim INEC issued.
Politics
Adamawa assembly passes bill on gratuity, death benefits for emirs, chiefs
The Adamawa House of Assembly has passed a bill seeking to provide gratuity and death benefits for emirs and chiefs.
Politics
Nasarawa assembly hails Gov Sule for approving 2025/2026 students’ bursary
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for approving the disbursement of bursary allowances to students.
States
PDP candidate says party will reclaim Kaduna in 2027 elections
Umar Ibrahim, the House of Representatives candidate for the Makarfi/Kudan federal constituency, says the PDP is repositioning itself to reclaim political relevance in Kaduna.
Abuja
FRSC recovers stolen vehicle in AbujaÂ
The Federal Road Safety Corps has recovered a stolen Hyundai vehicle in Abuja and handed it over to the police for further investigation.
Politics
Peace groups urge restraint over Musa-El-Rufai crisis in Kaduna
A coalition in Kaduna has urged residents to exercise restraint and reject attempts to turn political disagreements into ethnic, religious or sectarian tensions.
