(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: BBC reporters denied access to war-affected area On 17th June 2006, a media team from BBC was denied access to the northern district of Mannar where a series of violent incidents had taken place during the preceding days. The BBC team consisted of Andrew Harding (Correspondent), […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
BBC reporters denied access to war-affected area
On 17th June 2006, a media team from BBC was denied access to the northern district of Mannar where a series of violent incidents had taken place during the preceding days.
The BBC team consisted of Andrew Harding (Correspondent), Chang Chun Yuen (Cameraman), Shelley Thakral (Producer), Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai (Producer), Rajeew Bernard (Producer) and Dumeetha Luthra (Correspondent).
According to newspaper reports, retaliatory attacks had taken place against civilians after a fire-fight in the Mannar sea between the government forces and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Seven people died, 40 were injured, more than 100 fishing huts were set on fire and nearly 40 fishing boats were damaged, according to these reports.
Given the severity of these incidents and the need to ascertain the conditions on the ground, the denial of access to journalists amounts to a forced censorship and a violation of freedom of information.
The FMM strongly decries this action by the authorities concerned.
Further, the FMM hopes the authorities concerned issue clear instructions to the armed forces on the right of journalists to access to war-affected areas and obtain necessary information in the interest of the public.
