(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Journalist assaulted at opposition political rally An agitated mob assaulted journalist Upul Shantha Medagedara and tried to damage his camera at a political protest in Thamankaduwa, Polonnaruwa district (North Western province) on Friday 6 May 2005. The incident took place at a rally organised by the […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
Journalist assaulted at opposition political rally
An agitated mob assaulted journalist Upul Shantha Medagedara and tried to damage his camera at a political protest in Thamankaduwa, Polonnaruwa district (North Western province) on Friday 6 May 2005. The incident took place at a rally organised by the opposition United National Party (UNP) to protest the government’s agricultural policy.
Free Media Movement (FMM) considers this not only as an assault on press freedom but also a violation of basic human rights. FMM condemns this anti-media behavior and the assault on journalist Upul Shantha.
Upul Shantha Medagedara is the area correspondent for the government-controlled Sri Lanka Rupavahini (Television) Corporation (SLRC). The incident took place as he was about to ask for a voice cut from Mr. Hemakumara Nanayakkara, a member of parliament for the main opposition party, who was leading the campaign. His supporters got agitated suddenly and assaulted Upul Shantha. It is regrettable that this assault took place in front of a member of parliament and he was unable to safeguard journalist Upul Shantha’s rights.
The last few months have seen an increasing number of such incidents of harassment of journalists by various power groups, especially politicians. FMM is concerned that if political parties are going to allow only journalists of their liking to cover events they organise, people’s right to information will be severely hampered.
FMM calls upon all political parties in general, and the UNP in this case, to take this unhealthy situation into consideration and take appropriate disciplinary measures in order to stop the anti-media behavior of their followers.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson, FMM
