Articles by Free Media Movement
Income tax investigation into two newspapers may be intimidation tactic, says FMM
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Harassment of “Mawbima” Weekly It was reported in newspapers today that officials of the income tax department visited the offices of the newspapers “Mawbima” and “The Sunday Standard”, purportedly to look into income tax issues. The same officials also visited two other commercial enterprises owned by […]
TV journalist assaulted
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Condemnation of attack against journalist The Free Media Movement (FMM) condemns the assault on journalist K.C. Saranga by an unknown group of thugs on 15th January 2007 (Monday night) in Dehiwala. Mr. Saranga was on his way home and the thugs were waiting for him by […]
Paramilitary group prohibits sale of two dailies; soldiers raid offices of three newspapers, halt publication of communiqué; editor’s home forcibly entered
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Concerns on the dire situation of media in Sri Lanka Indications of the growing deterioration of media freedom and a culture of impunity were evident in media reports yesterday. The FMM notes, with deep concern, news reports on the alleged ban by the Karuna paramilitary group […]
Minister threatens journalist with bodily harm over reports accusing him of corruption
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 10 January 2007 FMM press release: “Thinakkural” Journalist M.A.M. Nilam threatened by Minister Fowzie The FMM is concerned over reports it has received that Minister for Transport A.H.M. Fowzie threatened journalist M.A.M. Nilam over coverage related to the minister and his son. This incident took place in front of […]
Mob assaults two journalists covering anti-war rally, attacks photographer and seizes camera
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 9 January 2007 FMM press release: Assault on Journalists The FMM is disturbed to receive reports that an unruly mob of hundreds of persons invaded an open stage in Nugegoda, Colombo, around 2:30 p.m. (local time) on 9 January 2007, to disrupt the first public rally of the United […]
Senior journalists questioned by police under new Anti-Terrorism Regulations
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Senior Journalists questioned by Police under new Anti-Terrorism Regulations The Free Media Movement (FMM) is concerned that the introduction of the new anti-terrorism legislation in Sri Lanka is having a chilling effect on media freedom. On the 20th of December 2006, two senior journalists – Ranga […]
New anti-terrorism law forces columnist into self-censorship
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: New regulations and censorship The Free Media Movement (FMM) expresses dismay at the growing self-censorship of media in Sri Lanka, in light of the recently introduced anti-terrorism legislation. The Emergency (Prevention and Prohibition of Terrorism and Specified Terrorist Activities) Regulations No. 07 of 2006, introduced in […]
New emergency rules threaten free expression
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 7 December 2006 FMM press release: Statement on the New Emergency Measures The public security and anti-terrorism measures introduced by the government this week are potentially extremely negative for freedom of speech and expression in Sri Lanka. The new emergency regulations – Emergency (Prevention and Prohibition of Terrorism and […]