(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 […]
(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 on the sale of “Thinakkural” and “Sudar Oli” newspapers, as reported in the “Daily Mirror”. This is not the first time the FMM has expressed its concern over the impossible situation facing media and journalists in the North and East of Sri Lanka. In October 2006, the FMM condemned the burning of 10,000 copies of the Tamil daily “Virakesari” and of “Metro News” near Kiran Regional Secretariat in Batticaloa.
The situation is dire – journalists find it increasingly difficult to do their work, there is scant regard for media freedom and freedom of expression on the ground and, despite assurances by various armed groups including the Sri Lankan Army, threats, harassment and intimidation against the media increase daily.
Accordingly, we are concerned and unequivocally condemn the alleged actions of Sri Lankan Army soldiers who forcibly entered the “Thinakkural”, “Uthayan” and “Valampuri” newspaper offices and asked editorial staff to desist from publishing a press communiqué from the Jaffna University Students Union, as reported in TamilNet today (see: http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=20883 ).
Recalling our statements on 1 September 2006, expressing our dismay at the Army’s actions against the “Yal Thinakkural”, and on 7 November 2006, on the threats made by the commander of Army Brigade 512 in Jaffna against the newspapers “Uthayan”, “Walampuri”, and “Yal Thinakkural” prohibiting them from publishing any news critical of the military in Jaffna, we note with great disappointment that the situation has only turned worse for journalists in these news organizations.
Indicative of growing impunity and the erosion of justice, rights and the rule of law in Sri Lanka, the FMM further registers its disquiet over the traumatic intrusion into the home of Indika Maraingha, a news editor at Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, which resulted in the abuse of a domestic aide and injuries to his infant son. While it is not clear at the time of writing why this dastardly act was committed, that it was directed against a journalist is worrying. The FMM urges the authorities to bring the culprits to justice through an open and brisk investigation.
FMM calls upon all democratic forces to exert maximum pressure upon the Sri Lankan government, all political parties, the LTTE, the Karuna faction and other groups involved in the conflict, to bring to justice all those responsible for attacks against the media and help strengthen fundamental rights, including media freedom and the rule of law.
