(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Attack on Freedom of Expression and Association On Thursday 2 October 2002, an organised gang of governing party supporters attacked a peaceful pretest against illegal timber felling and attacked the journalists covering the event. The attackers seized a number of cameras during the incident, which occurred […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
Attack on Freedom of Expression and Association
On Thursday 2 October 2002, an organised gang of governing party supporters attacked a peaceful pretest against illegal timber felling and attacked the journalists covering the event. The attackers seized a number of cameras during the incident, which occurred in the north-western city of Madirigiriya, in Polnnaruwa district.
FMM condemns the 2 October disruption of the peaceful protest in Madirigiriya by a group of Samurdhi supporters and the attack on journalists who were covering the event as a clear attack on freedom of association and expression.
FMM is concerned about reports that a politician linked to the government was involved in planning and orchestrating the attack. Given the fact that the government has initiated a special investigation into attacks of a similar nature that took place under the previous government, it is deeply ironic and disturbing that politicians of the governing party organise these kinds of activities. FMM believes that if this trend is allowed to continue unchecked, the “free media” policy of the present government will become a farce.
FMM demands that an impartial inquiry be initiated without delay into this ugly incident and the necessary steps be taken by the government to ensure that these anti-democratic attacks do not take place in the future.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Convenor
Victor Ivan
Secretary
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– calling for an immediate inquiry into the incident
Appeals To
Mr. John Amaratunga
Minister of the Interior
15/5, Baladaksha Mawatha
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Fax: +94 138 7521
Mr. Imtiaz Bakeer Maker
Minister of Mass Communication
18th Floor, West Tower, World Trade Centre, Echelon Square
Colombo 01, Sri Lanka
Fax: + 94 1 440 448
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
