(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 10 January 2007 FMM press release: “Thinakkural” Journalist M.A.M. Nilam threatened by Minister Fowzie The FMM is concerned over reports it has received that Minister for Transport A.H.M. Fowzie threatened journalist M.A.M. Nilam over coverage related to the minister and his son. This incident took place in front of […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 10 January 2007 FMM press release:
“Thinakkural” Journalist M.A.M. Nilam threatened by Minister Fowzie
The FMM is concerned over reports it has received that Minister for Transport A.H.M. Fowzie threatened journalist M.A.M. Nilam over coverage related to the minister and his son. This incident took place in front of other journalists after a press conference on 9 January 2007 held at the minister’s office.
According to Mr. Nilam, the minister told him that his limbs would be broken if he persists in writing on allegations of corruption related to his Hajji pilgrimage. There have been several newspaper reports on alleged corruption in organizing the pilgrimage involving the minister and his son.
FMM decries the minister’s attitude toward the responsibility of the press to hold politicians accountable for their actions, and condemns the threat directed against Mr. Nilam. In a situation where journalists are already under immense pressure resulting from threats of violence directed against them, verbal threats of this nature may deter journalists from acting as watchdogs of democracy.
Mr. Nilam has 35 years of journalism behind him, is a senior reporter for the “Thinakkural” daily newspaper and also serves as the vice-president of Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF).
FMM strongly urges the minister to respect the role of the media and to engage critically the allegations directed against him through the media in a manner more befitting his role as a public servant holding high political office. FMM invites the minister to discuss this issue with journalists’ organizations in order to clarify matters.
