Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya ordered the release of seven members of National Freedom Front including Wimal Weerawansa on a surety bail of Rs 100,000 each over alleged unlawful protest march in early February.

The NFF staged a protest near the UNDP office against the arrival of the UNHRC Chief Zeid Ra'ad Al-Hussein to the island.

They are charged of causing hardship to the public by blocking the roads and using loudspeakers, with no prior permission from the police.

During the inquiry, the Magistrate asked if it was correct for lawmakers to break laws. The defence informed that they had not obtained permission for a protest since it was a Saturday.

Appearing for the Police, Legal Division Director SSP Ajith Rohana informed court that permission has to be obtained at least six hours prior to a protest, regardless of the day.

The Magistrate postponed the case for June 3 and ordered the seven NFF members to give statements to the Cinnamon Gardens Police on March 26.