FMM asks LTTE to launch internal investigation into attack on “Thinakkathir” newspaper

(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 28 August 2002 FMM letter to Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillei Prabhakaran: Mr. Velupillei Prabhakaran, Leader, The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam Fax: 021 3781 28.08.2002 Dear Sir, Attack on the Thinakkathir Newspaper Office The Free Media Movement (FMM) wishes to highlight the recent attack on […]

(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 28 August 2002 FMM letter to Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillei Prabhakaran:

Mr. Velupillei Prabhakaran,
Leader, The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
Fax: 021 3781

28.08.2002

Dear Sir,

Attack on the Thinakkathir Newspaper Office

The Free Media Movement (FMM) wishes to highlight the recent attack on the office of the Thinakkathir newspaper on 8 August 2002. The office was vandalised and office equipment (computers, printers, TV, radios, UPSs, etc) worth Rs. 1.2 million was stolen during the attack.

The FMM strongly condemns this act, and considers it not only a grave threat to the future of independent media reporting, but also an extremely serious threat to freedom of expression and democratic norms in Sri Lanka. While the FMM welcomes the statement by the LTTE condemning the attack on the Thinakkathir office, in light of a letter sent to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) by the Thinakkathir alleging LTTE involvement in the attack, the FMM strongly urges the LTTE to conduct a rigorous internal investigation to ascertain whether any of its cadres were involved in the attack. Based on the findings of the investigation, the FMM also urges the LTTE to return equipment stolen from the premises of the Thinakkathir office without delay.

An accurate and expedient examination of any possible complicity of the LTTE in this attack will not only help build confidence towards the peace process, but will help inform and shape public perception of the LTTE’s commitment to democratic norms and governance.

We trust that you will personally look into this matter as one of pivotal importance to the development of an independent media within a democratic framework in the North-East.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Sunanda Deshapriya
Convener, FMM

Victor Ivan
Secretary, FMM

Recommended Action

Appeals To

Mr. Velupillei Prabhakaran,

Leader, The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

LTTE Headquarters

Vanni, Sri Lanka

Fax: +94 21 3781

Please copy appeals to the source if possible.