Last week, popular Sri Lankan astrologer Chandrasiri Bandara predicted in his regular astrological column that September and October would be a time of severe ecomonic and political problems for the island. He apparently also told an opposition meeting that the prime minister would take over as president on 9 September and the opposition leader would become prime minister.
He was arrested on the evening of the 24th and charged with”publishing an astrological column which was adverse to the government,”
Most Sri Lankan politicians, including President Rajapaksa, firmly believe in astrology. And according to this BBC article the country is cracking down on dissidents generally and journalists in particular. It is not yet known what Bandara’s fate will be.
This follows on from the case of Emil Leshtanski, the Bulgarian astrologer who created mass panic last April when he predicted that thousand would die in an earthquake that would level the city of Haskovo over the Orthodox Christian Easter weekend. Hundreds fled to the countryside, sleeping in tents and cars. Police questioned Leshtanski and said they were considering charges of terrorism, spreading false information and public panic. As of the time of writing, Leshtanski has publically apologised and admitted he was wrong; however, prosecutors are still considering charges and he could face up to two years in jail.
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