(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 9 July 2001 FMM press release: LET US DEFEAT THE ATTEMPTS TO COVER UP THE PSD ATTACK ON PHOTO-JOURNALISTS! On July 15, 2001, we commemorate the second anniversary of the attack on photo-journalists covering a protest demonstration organised by the main Opposition party, the UNP, to call for the […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 9 July 2001 FMM press release:
LET US DEFEAT THE ATTEMPTS TO COVER UP THE PSD ATTACK ON PHOTO-JOURNALISTS!
On July 15, 2001, we commemorate the second anniversary of the attack on photo-journalists covering a protest demonstration organised by the main Opposition party, the UNP, to call for the abolition of the executive Presidential system. This attack, which also led to the destruction of cameras and other equipment of some photo-journalists, was carried out by members of the Presidential Security Division (PSD). The Media Minister himself admitted this fact.
There is ample evidence as to those responsible for this attack. There are photographs and information regarding the vehicles used by the attackers. There was also the detection of a cellular phone grabbed from a journalist during the attack, which later surfaced in the possession of a person linked to the PSD. Yet, the government’s official position is that it has been unable to identify those responsible for the attack.
The Police inquiry into the complaint filed against the attackers by 8 of the journalists concerned at the Cinnamon Gardens Police Station on July 15, 1999 has yet to proceed. The ASP, which was first assigned to this task, and several other Police officers who took over this case from him, have all been given transfers, thereby effectively delaying the advancing of this inquiry. We deplore this state of affairs.
The lack of interest shown by the CID in pursuing the case in which a person was arrested on October 29, 1999, while having in his possession the cellular phone belonging to Lakbima journalist Buddhika Weerasinghe is also a matter of grave concern. Both Magistrates under whom this case has been called, Magistrate V.T. Kulatilaka from Colombo and Magistrate A.A. Champani Janaki Rajaratna from Attanagalla, have commented on this delay. This further proves our claim that this case is being unduly delayed by the officers to whom the inquiry had been entrusted.
It has also now been proposed that the fundamental rights petition filed by 5 of the photo-journalists involved in this incident in August 1999 before the Supreme Court be settled amicably with payment of compensation to the petitioners. We feel that this move may be an attempt to let the perpetrators of this attack off the hook. Our contention is that if the Attorney General’s Department is willing to recompense the photo-journalists for the losses they suffered in the attack, they should also assume responsibility for the attack itself.
We reaffirm our belief that the attack on journalists on July 15, 1999 was a premeditated one. The attackers moved in on the journalists, who were moving at least 50 feet ahead of the demonstration, with the expressed purpose of assaulting them and damaging their equipment. We believe that this was done in order to destroy any evidence of the presence of members of the PSD at the demonstration. The experiences of the past two years show us very clearly that there is now an attempt to cover up the identities of those who perpetrated this attack.
As we commemorate the second anniversary of this attack, we also wish to express our sorrow at the delays in investigating the murders of Thinamurusu editor Ramesh, Satana editor Rohana Kumara and Jaffna-based journalist Nimalarajan. We reiterate that no attempt has been made to investigate any of the physical and psychological attacks carried out against media personnel and artists in Sri Lanka over the past few years.
On this occasion we demand from the government of Sri Lanka:
– that as promised by then Media Minister Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, full compensation be paid to all journalists who were subject to attack on July 15, 1999, and not only to a selected few;
– that a fresh inquiry into the attack be initiated and that those responsible for the attack as well as the attackers themselves be brought before the law;
– that measures be taken to guarantee that the type of attack perpetrated on media personnel in this country over the last few years does not occur again;
– that the government takes action to promote a culture of media freedom and to guarantee the rights of the citizens of Sri Lanka to freedom of expression.
We extend this appeal to non-state military organizations as well as civil and political organisations of Sri Lanka to respect the rights of the journalists and to create an environment of freedom from fear for them to carry out their professional duties.
And FMM requests all democratic forces and citizens of Sri Lanka to come forward to respect and defend these demands.
Sunanda Deshapriya, Convenor
Waruna Karunathilaka, Secretary
Free Media Movement,
Sri Lanka.
09.07.2001
