(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Armed group threatens “Lankadeepa” correspondent in Kalpitiya It has been reported to the Free Media Movement that a group of armed men in civilian clothes visited the workplace of Mrs. Pathma Kumari, the provincial correspondent for the newspaper “Lankadeepa” in the Kalpitiya area, Puttalam district, in […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
Armed group threatens “Lankadeepa” correspondent in Kalpitiya
It has been reported to the Free Media Movement that a group of armed men in civilian clothes visited the workplace of Mrs. Pathma Kumari, the provincial correspondent for the newspaper “Lankadeepa” in the Kalpitiya area, Puttalam district, in a white van and inquired about her. This incident took place around noon on 29 March 2007.
She has made a complaint to the Kalpitiya police about this matter. Kalpititya police confirmed that an unknown armed group had visited her work place.
Mrs. Pathma Kumari told FMM that this could mean a death threat to her. She has recently covered drug smuggling and the seizure of fishermen’s boats by various groups. Covering and exposing corruption is part of journalists’ watchdog role in a democratic society and threats like this will impede their ability to perform this role in a country witnessing increased violence towards independent journalists and media.
FMM registers its serious concern about this incident and condemns the threat and whoever is behind it. In the context of abductions and disappearances taking place in the country, this incident should be taken seriously and an immediate inquiry into the incident should be conducted. This is the only way to provide protection to journalist Pathma Kumari.
Mrs. Pathma Kumari is also the Kalpitiya correspondent for “The Daily Mirror” and Neth FM, as well as treasurer of the Puttalam district journalists association.
FMM urges the government and non-governmental armed actors to respect journalists’ right to work independently, free of intimidation and threats. FMM asks the Kalpitiya police to initiate an inquiry into this incident and make its findings known to journalists in the area. It is the duty of the government to see that this inquiry is carried out impartially and the culprits brought to book without delay.
