(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 12 September 2003 FMM press release: FMM requests an impartial inquiry on violation of freedom of expression of protesting graduates On 10 September 2003, a gang led by Minister Mahinda Wijesekara unleashed a physical attack on a group of unemployed graduates who were holding a peaceful hunger strike demanding […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 12 September 2003 FMM press release:
FMM requests an impartial inquiry on violation of freedom of expression of protesting graduates
On 10 September 2003, a gang led by Minister Mahinda Wijesekara unleashed a physical attack on a group of unemployed graduates who were holding a peaceful hunger strike demanding employment. FMM strongly condemns this undemocratic act as a violation of the freedom of expression of citizens of Sri Lanka.
Demanding decent employment is part of exercising the Right to Life, which has been accepted by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Sri Lanka is a signatory. The basic foundation of the realization of these rights enshrined in international covenants lies in freedom of expression.
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, in a number of path-breaking judgments, has assured the right to protest and emphasized the importance of providing venues for citizens to express their grievances in democratic ways. But politicians as well as police under their command in Sri Lanka have not shown any desire to accept the fundamental rights of citizens.
Recently, Minister Wijesekara had been heavily criticized by the media for threatening to kill two prominent journalists in Sri Lanka at least twice before this incident. The two journalists are Mr. Lasantha Wikramathunga, editor of The Sunday Leader, and Mr. Lucien Rajakarunanayaka, former chairman of Lake House. The government has failed to initiate any inquires into these threats, although national and international freedom of expression organizations have requested the government to do so.
FMM requests that the government initiate an impartial inquiry into this assault on graduates and bring the culprits before the law without cowing down to petty partisan politics. An unswerving commitment to good governance, including freedom of expression, has to be matched by deeds. Only by acting against the government’s own lawbreakers can the incumbent government set an example for the rest of the country.
Victor Ivan
Secretary
FMM
Ariyananda Dombagahawatta
Convenor
FMM
