Articles by Free Media Movement
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 […]
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 […]
Sri Lankan film director assaulted by filmmakers’ group in Madurai
(FMM/IFEX) – On 25 March 2008, a Sri Lankan film director, Thushara Peiris, was assaulted and injured in Kalaignar Karunanidhi Nagar, a suburb of the city of Madurai, by a group of individuals who identified themselves as members of the Tamil Nadu Film Directors’ Association. Peiris was in Madurai to work on a Tamil-language copy […]
Journalist, press owners still detained by TID without explanation
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM pres release: On continued detention of Tamil journalist Tissainayagam The Free Media Movement is concerned about the continued detention of Tamil journalist Tissainayagam and of Mr. and Mrs. Jesiharan, the owners of E-Kwality Press on whose premises Mr. Tissainayagam had the offices of his website OutreachSL ( http://www.outreachsl.com/ […]