Aragalaya activist Dhaniz Ali faces three charges including forcing to suspend SLRC transmission - Police

COLOMBO (News 1st); An activist engaged in the Aragalaya People's Protest was manhandled and taken off a flight that was ready for departure at the Katunayake International Airport by Sri Lanka Police late Tuesday (26) evening.

Local and International passengers aboard the Sri Lankan Airlines flight were left shocked over the series of events and expressed their dismay as well.

Aragalay Activist identified as Dhaniz Ali was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department inside a SriLankan Airlines flight that was ready to fly to Dubai on Tuesday (26) night.

The arrest was made in the midst of strong protest by over a dozen passengers.

Despite the protests from the passengers, Dhaniz Ali was taken off the plane by the police officers.

Dhaniz Ali said he was not fleeing the country, but was traveling overseas carrying the message of the Aragalaya protests to the international community, and to raise the case with the UN.

When asked about cutting his hair and shaving his beard, Ali said he was asked to do so by his family and friends.

Sri Lanka Police said that Dhaniz Ali was arrested for storming into the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation on the 13th of July in a violent manner, making a threatening statement live on air, and forcing to suspend the transmission of SLRC for a brief period.

Sri Lanka Police also said that Dhaniz Ali faces three charges.