Easter attacks verdict: 15 of 24 defendants convicted

The Colombo High Court convicted 15 of 24 defendants in the trial concerning the April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka. The attacks targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, resulting in 279 deaths, including 45 foreign nationals.

Among those found guilty is Mohamed Naufer Moulavi, whom the prosecution identified as a key figure who led the group providing support to the eight-member suicide commando that carried out the attacks. The court acquitted nine other defendants and ordered their release.

The verdict concludes a trial lasting nearly five years involving more than 23,270 charges, such as murder, conspiracy to commit terrorism, and the possession of explosives and firearms. This proceeding serves as the primary criminal case against those accused of planning or co-organizing the deadliest attacks against civilians in the country's history.