SRI LANKA: Fifteen Men Sentenced Over Easter Sunday Bombing

Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Voice of the Martyrs Australia

Sri Lanka’s High Court has sentenced 15 men to prison terms ranging from 200 to 260 years for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The three-judge panel delivered its verdict on 22 September after a trial involving 24 defendants and 23 270 charges, including murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism. Nine men were acquitted.

Among those convicted was Islamic cleric Naufer Moulavi, whom prosecutors identified as a mastermind of the attacks. On 21 April 2019, coordinated suicide bombings struck three churches and three luxury hotels, killing at least 267 people and injuring more than 500.

The verdict has brought an important measure of accountability, but questions remain about possible intelligence failures and political involvement. A separate investigation is examining allegations against former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay. These allegations have yet to be resolved. The National Christian Evangelical Alliance Sri Lanka welcomed the conclusion of the case while urging a credible, transparent investigation into whether others helped plan, support or enable the attacks. It also called for care that no religious community be blamed for the actions of individuals, and reaffirmed its support for victims, survivors and their families.

• Pray that survivors and families will find strength and hope in Christ as they continue to seek justice.

• Pray for the protection of the church in Sri Lanka and for a strong and faithful witness.

• Pray that our brothers and sisters in Christ will sense God’s peace, even when they face violence and opposition for their faith.