Brigadier Priyanka Fernando, former Sri Lankan Defence Attaché to the United Kingdom, will face a new trial tomorrow at the Westminster Magistrates Court for motioning a death threat to Tamils in London, protesting Sri Lanka's celebration of Independence Day last year.
A private prosecution was brought against the Sri Lankan soldier who was filmed motioning a death threat to Tamils in London last year, running his finger across his neck whilst dressed in full military uniform. He was attending a celebration at the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK to mark ‘Independence Day’ at the time, whilst British Tamils held a demonstration outside with placards and Tamil Eelam flags. Sri Lankan officials were also seen photographing the protestors in an apparent act of intimidation.
Brigadier Priyanka Fernando was found guilty of two charges under the Public Order Act after the first trial in January 2019, for which an arrest warrant was issued. However, the warrant was revoked by the court while the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) confirmed whether Fernando enjoys immunity from prosecution. After multiple hearings, a summary trial was listed by the Westminster Magistrate Court to take place on October 18.
