(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 26 July 2006 FMM press release: Distributors of Tamil dailies threatened FMM vehemently condemns the violent attempts to stop the distribution of two Tamil language dailies, “Sudaroli” and “Thinakkural”, in parts of eastern Sri Lanka. Relevant authorities have informed FMM that these threats are coming from anti-Liberation Tigers of […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 26 July 2006 FMM press release:
Distributors of Tamil dailies threatened
FMM vehemently condemns the violent attempts to stop the distribution of two Tamil language dailies, “Sudaroli” and “Thinakkural”, in parts of eastern Sri Lanka.
Relevant authorities have informed FMM that these threats are coming from anti-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) paramilitary groups. Several distributing agents of both newspapers have been threatened with death if they do not stop distribution immediately.
According to the management of “Sudaroli”, on 24 July 2006 their transport agent received a threatening telephone call saying that he would be shot dead if he did not stop distributing the newspapers.
If these threats succeed in stopping the distribution of the two newspapers, the FMM is afraid that it will set a dangerous and deplorable precedent for any other group that might use the same tactic against any other newspaper.
Tolerance of diverse opinions is the bedrock of a vibrant democracy. Suppressing opinions by violent means is a grave violation of press freedom and basic democratic rights, including freedom of expression.
FMM strongly urges whoever is behind these attempts to desist from making threats against newspaper distribution agents and to cease all such actions that run counter to basic human rights.
