(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 15 July 2004 FMM press release: Assault on journalists by police It has been reported to the Free Media Movement (FMM) that on 14 July 2004, four journalists, who had been covering a funeral gathering within the Kosgoda Police Division’s jurisdiction, were assaulted and wounded, and their camera equipment […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 15 July 2004 FMM press release:
Assault on journalists by police
It has been reported to the Free Media Movement (FMM) that on 14 July 2004, four journalists, who had been covering a funeral gathering within the Kosgoda Police Division’s jurisdiction, were assaulted and wounded, and their camera equipment was damaged. The journalists assaulted were Anura Yasmin of The Island Newspaper, Janith De Silva of the Independent Television Network, Sujeeva Priyadarshana of Swarnavahini TV and S.A.Y De Silva of Lankadeepa Newspaper.
On the same day, photojournalist Yamuni Rashmika, of Lanka Newspaper, who was reporting on a protest against a casino within the Wattala Police Division’s jurisdiction, was threatened and the three-wheeler she was traveling in was damaged.
According to reports received by FMM, in both instances the police harassment took place after the journalists identified themselves. This constitutes a gross violation of media freedom.
Harassment and attacks of this type prevent journalists from carrying out their professional duties, particularly with regard to freedom of expression. They also amount to an obstruction of the people’s right to information.
The FMM urges Inspector General of Police Indra De Silva to carry out a full investigation into the attacks and take the necessary disciplinary steps to prevent further incidents of this nature, which damage the good relations that should exist between journalists and the police.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson
Free Media Movement
