Film director Seeman, leader of the Naam Thamizhar Iyakkam, who was arrested on July 12, has moved the Principal Sessions Judge court here seeking bail.
In his petition, Mr. Seeman stated that the prosecution case was that on July 10 he conducted a protest meeting within the limits of the North Beach Police Station and spoke in support of the LTTE and condemned the killing of a Tamil Nadu fisherman by the Sri Lankan Navy. It was also alleged that he had spoken in a provocative manner to create disharmony among Sinhalese and Tamils.
He was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on July 12 for alleged offences under section 153 (A) (1) (Promoting enmity between different groups) and 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) IPC read with 13 (1) (b) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He submitted that his speech would not fall under the offence as alleged by the prosecution. Freedom of speech was a fundamental right.
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His speech was not intended to provoke any unlawful activity.
It was made only to express his dissent against the government for “not taking any action” in the matter relating to the killing of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
A group of advocates staged a demonstration in front of the High Court on Wednesday protesting against the arrest of Mr. Seeman.
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