Islamist extremists

Fifteen men have been convicted in Sri Lanka's High Court for their roles in the deadly 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The coordinated attacks targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, resulting in the deaths of 270 people and injuring over 500. Naufer Moulavi was identified by prosecutors as the mastermind behind the suicide bombings. The convictions bring a significant legal development to the aftermath of the attacks, which were the deadliest in Sri Lanka's history. The case has also highlighted major intelligence failures, including a tip-off from India that was reportedly not properly shared. In 2023, the Supreme Court ordered former president Maithripala Sirisena to pay compensation to victims, underscoring the ongoing repercussions and the pursuit of justice for the tragic events. The recent convictions underscore the continued relevance of the investigation and the accountability for those involved in orchestrating these devastating acts of extremism.