Former Deputy Minister Myown Mustapha sentenced to six months, fined Rs.500
The Colombo High Court yesterday ordered to revoke the civil rights of former Deputy Minister Myown Mustapha who had been found guilty of offering a bribe of Rs. 4.2 million to the former National Freedom Front MP Mohomad Muzammil, for the victory of Presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka in 2010.
The Colombo High Court ordered to revoke the civil rights of the accused for seven years and imposed a fine of Rs.500, in default of which he will be sentenced to one month imprisonment and in addition to that sentenced to another six months imprisonment.
The Judgement was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige and delivering the judgement the Colombo High Court Judge maintained that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond the reasonable doubts against the accused.
The Colombo High Court Judge also pointed out that the prosecution has been able to prove the charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubt with the phone conversations and CCTV footage which were produced as evidence in the case.
After considering the evidence that transpired during the trial, the Colombo High Court Judge ruled that the accused had committed a serious offence under the Presidential Elections Act and ordered to set the maximum punishment that can be given constitutionally.
Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabandige issued this judgement expressing his regret over the weight of the punishment that could be given to the accused, who was a representative of an institution that drafts laws and ordinances in Sri Lanka, a democratic country that appraises public opinion.
The Colombo High Court Judge observed that although the charge against the accused is serious, the only punishment that can be given to him is a minor punishment constitutionally.
Accordingly, the Colombo High Court ordered to revoke the civil rights of the accused for seven years and imposed a fine of Rs.500 against the accused.
Following the verdict, Deputy Solicitor General Dharshan de Silva appearing for the prosecution, sought from the court to confiscate the amount of Rs.4.2 million which was offered as bribe by the accused.
The Colombo High Court judge ordered that the consideration of the request will be postponed for fourteen days.The indictment was filed under section 80(1) of the Presidential Election Act No. 15 of 1981 against former Deputy Minister Myown Mustapha alleging that he offer a bribe of Rs. 4.2 million to former MP Mohomad Muzammil to support presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka to win the presidential election which was held on January 18,2010.