Pastor Jerome arrives at CID for second consecutive day

Pastor Jerome Fernando arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for the second consecutive day this morning (Dec.01) to record a statement concerning his remarks that stirred up much controversy in the country.

The self-styled ‘prophet’, who was under fire for his much-disputed comments on several religions, made his first appearance at the CID last morning (Nov.30) and provided a statement for around 08 hours.

Pastor Fernando found himself in hot water after a video of one of his sermons went viral on social media, due to allegations that it included derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha and other religious figures.

He then flew out to Singapore on May 14, two days before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court banned his foreign travels.

Pastor Fernando returned to the island on Wednesday morning (Nov.29) after months of controversy over his remarks. He had arrived from Singapore on board a Qatar Airlines flight and left the airport through the Gold Route at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

As per a court directive, the CID’s Cyber Crime Investigation Division is now obtaining a statement from the pastor within 48 hours of his arrival on the island.

On November 17, the Court of Appeal ordered the CID not to arrest Pastor Fernando upon his arrival in the country. The ruling also mentioned Pastor Jerome should record a statement with the CID’s Cyber Crime Investigation Division within 48 hours of his arrival. This interim order was issued in respect of the petition filed by Pastor Fernando, seeking to prevent the CID from arresting him.