Critical defence analyst, newspaper editor threatened, abducted, beaten, released
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Senior journalist and Deputy Editor abducted and severely beaten 23 May 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Free Media Movement (FMM) expresses shock and outrage that Keith Noyahr, deputy editor and defense analyst of the English weekly “The Nation” was abducted in the late evening on […]
Detained journalists tortured, kept in inhumane conditions
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: State torture of journalists: A blatant violation of human rights 21 May 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – The FMM notes with deep unease and outrage that it now almost six weeks since the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) of the Sri Lankan Police arrested and detained journalist […]
Defence ministry denies website’s allegations of interference, threatens legal action against FMM
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Response to the misplaced grievances of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence, in response to our press release of 17 May 2008 on the alleged hacking of the Lanka Dissent website in Sri Lanka, “categorically states that it does not […]
Journalist and editor assaulted in Kathankudi over coverage of provincial elections
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Journalist beaten, editor assaulted and robbed It has been reported to FMM that a journalist was beaten and an editor was assaulted and robbed of his valuables in the eastern town of Kathankudi, in seemingly election-related incidents. Kathankidi has been a scene of election-related violence as […]
Website alleges defence ministry monitoring and disrupting independent online news services
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 17 May 2008 FMM press release: Independent web media hacked in Sri Lanka The Free Media Movement (FMM) registers its disquiet over the contents of a letter addressed to it by the editor of the Lanka Dissent website, Mr Indika Gamage, on 16 May 2008. In it, Mr. Gamage […]
Authorities attempt to prevent foreign media from covering elections in Eastern Province
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Attempt to bar foreign media from covering Eastern province PC election FMM expresses its concern at the government’s attempt to bar foreign media from covering provincial council elections in Eastern Province, scheduled for 10 May 2008. Military authorities turned back journalist Ravi Nesman and photographer Gamunu […]
Journalist, press owners still detained without charge, need medical attention
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release: IFJ Condemns Two-Month Detention Without Charge in Sri Lanka The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands authorities in Sri Lanka take immediate action to resolve the arbitrary two-month detention, without charge, of Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam and two colleagues. Tissainayagam, the editor of http://www.outreach.sl , has been […]
FMM outraged by “another vicious attack” on “Sunday Times” editor-defence correspondent by government
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 4 May 2008 FMM press release: Unceasing attacks against journalists by the Government of Sri Lanka 4 May 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – The FMM is outraged to note that the Sri Lankan Government launched another vicious attack against “The Sunday Times” Consultant Editor and Defence Correspondent Iqbal Athas, […]
Defence secretary calls journalists “traitors,” urges ban on independent media
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Defence Secretary calls journalists ‘traitors’ and calls for ban on independent media 5 May 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – It was reported in the “Daily Mirror” today ( http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=13708 ) that, in a recent interview, the defence secretary and brother of the president, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, called […]
Situation “urgent” with free media under unprecedented siege, says FMM on World Press Freedom Day
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: World Press Freedom Day statement Media freedom in a country at war with itself 3 May 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – It is with deep disquiet that the Free Media Movement (FMM) recognises World Press Freedom Day. This day is almost a cruel joke in a […]
Government bars photographers, censors news from war front
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Government bars photographers, censors news from war front 25 April 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Government officials barred photographers from entering hospitals where soldiers injured in battle are being treated, four photojournalists told the Free Media Movement (FMM) on 24 April 2008. Hitherto, photographers have had no […]
IFJ concerned at police inaction as kidnap threat repeated against FMM employee
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 22 April 2008 IFJ media release: Police Urged to Investigate Threats to FMM Treasurer The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is concerned that police in Sri Lanka have not investigated threats made against K. Rushangan, treasurer of the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate. According to FMM, Rushangan […]
FMM staff member threatened with abduction; police take no action
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Free Media Movement Treasurer receives threats and asked to pay ransom 18th April 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – The FMM is appalled to place on record that its treasurer, journalist K. Rushangan, has received threats demanding the payment of a ransom before 25 April 2008. K. […]
FMM concerned for press freedom as state institutions, politicians and political parties mistreat media
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: JVP and the Government stifle the freedom of expression in Sri Lanka 17th April 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Free Media Movement (FMM) expresses its serious concern on discriminatory practices meted out to media institutions by state institutions, politicians and political parties of late. As […]
Annual Report 2008: Sri Lanka
Annual Report 2008: Sri Lanka
World Report 2008:
World Report 2008: