(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Sudaroli Photojournalist P. Yadurshan Beaten and Handed Over to Police by JVP P. Yadurshan, a photojournalist for the Tamil-language newspaper Sudaroli (published in Colombo), was beaten up while covering a People’s Liberation Party (JVP) protest rally in front of the railway station in Fort this afternoon. […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
Sudaroli Photojournalist P. Yadurshan Beaten and Handed Over to Police by JVP
P. Yadurshan, a photojournalist for the Tamil-language newspaper Sudaroli (published in Colombo), was beaten up while covering a People’s Liberation Party (JVP) protest rally in front of the railway station in Fort this afternoon. Mr. Yadurshan’s camera, mobile phone and wallet were confiscated and his hands were tied behind his back. He was handed over to Pettah police by the JVP this afternoon. While covering the JVP protest rally, Mr. Yadurshan was surrounded and beaten up by party supporters in front of the main railway station in Fort, Colombo.
Free Media Movement strongly condemns this undemocratic behavior of JVP supporters as well as the incessant hate speeches made by the party leaders against political opponents at public rallies. This is not the behavior of a democratic political party but of an extremist party which does not accept diversity.
Mr. Yadurshan is a Tamil speaking journalist and was not able to answer JVP supporters’ questions in Sinhala. Instead of handling this explosive situation carefully, it is very unfortunate that the JVP leaders did not take action to stop their supporters from beating Mr. Yadurshan.
FMM strongly urges JVP leaders to take disciplinary action against those who beat photojournalist Mr. Yadurshan and confiscated his belongings, and to make sure that journalist covering their campaigns will not be beaten up in this manner in the future.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson
Free Media Movement
