(FMM/IFEX) – FMM has condemned the attack on the MTV/MBC media group’s transmission station and the destruction of station equipment as another threat to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka. The network runs several popular television and radio stations in all three of Sri Lanka’s languages. The station is located on the second floor of […]
(FMM/IFEX) – FMM has condemned the attack on the MTV/MBC media group’s transmission station and the destruction of station equipment as another threat to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka. The network runs several popular television and radio stations in all three of Sri Lanka’s languages.
The station is located on the second floor of the Weerasinham Hall building on Jaffna’s Kankesanthurai Road, in the heart of the city. A group of four to six people, who arrived on motorbikes, entered the building at about 9:10 p.m. (local time) on 6 December 2004 and destroyed the station’s equipment. Losses have been estimated at around Rs. 10 million (approx. US$95,400).
The station’s location was well within the government-controlled area and the attackers, who fled the scene immediately afterwards, have not been identified.
This attack not only violates the MTV/MBC network’s rights but also deprives the population of the war-torn Jaffna peninsula of their right to be informed. FMM’s main concern is people’s right to access information. FMM condemns this attack on these grounds and urges the government to launch an impartial and speedy inquiry into this incident and provide adequate security to the MTV/MBC network’s Jaffna transmission station.
