CID questions former President over assault on Keith Noyahr

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID)?questioned former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today over the assault on journalist Keith Noyahr.

Rajapaksa was questioned at his Colombo residence in?Wijerama.

A large crowd gathered outside his residence before the CID arrived to extend support to Rajapaksa.

The CID informed Rajapaksa that they were told?Keith Noyahr was released by his abductors after current Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and the then Editor of?The Nation newspaper Lalith Alahakoon had telephoned Rajapaksa following the abduction.

The former President told reporters outside his home today that he could not recall receiving a telephone call from?Jayasuriya at the time.

However he asked what was wrong in?Noyahr being released by his abductors.

The former President said that he sees the latest development as political revenge being taken on him.

The CID had informed Rajapaksa this week that they will visit his home today to record the statement.

At least five CID officers visited?Rajapaksa’s official residence and left after recording a statement from him for nearly three hours.

Last year six Army officers were arrested in the case over the abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyhar but were later granted bail.

Noyahr was abducted in May 2008 and?was severely assaulted before being set free.

The former Associate Editor of The Nation newspaper fled the country with his family following the incident fearing for his life. (Colombo Gazette)