(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 20 August 2006 FMM press release: News print stores of Udayan newspaper set on fire Two warehouses belonging to the Jaffna-based “Udayan” newspaper were burned down by unidentified persons on the night of 18 August 2006. According to the “Udayan” group of newspapers’ general manager, Mr. Saravanabhavan, four people […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 20 August 2006 FMM press release:
News print stores of Udayan newspaper set on fire
Two warehouses belonging to the Jaffna-based “Udayan” newspaper were burned down by unidentified persons on the night of 18 August 2006.
According to the “Udayan” group of newspapers’ general manager, Mr. Saravanabhavan, four people forced their way into the warehouses, chased away the security guards and set fire to the newsprint. Two buildings were also completely destroyed.
“Udayan” newspaper has made a complaint to the Jaffna Police regarding this crime.
The warehouses contained newsprint and electronic equipment. Saravanabhavan told FMM that the newsprint and electronic items burned were worth Rs.3 million (approx. US$28,850).
The “Udayan” group of newspapers has been facing continual harassment for the last six months (see IFEX alerts of 16 and 31 July 2006). Four of their employees have been killed. Newspaper premises have been bombed. Death threats to leading figures have been made. Last week security provided to the general manager and one of the editors was withdrawn by the government.
“Udayan” is the best selling and oldest newspaper in the war-ravaged Jaffna peninsula. It has been the main provider of daily information to the people of Jaffna in the absence of television or radio stations in the peninsula. Even under the week-long curfew imposed in Jaffna, it has been able to print six pages daily and distribute them despite many obstacles.
FMM is afraid that a coordinated plan to cripple the “Udayan” newspaper of Jaffna is being implemented.
FMM urge all press freedom organisations to stand by “Udayan” newspaper’s right to exist and to show solidarity with “Udayan” newspaper of Jaffna.
