(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 26 June 2002 FMM press release: Provincial journalist threatened A.J.A. Abeynayaka, a provincial journalist connected to the Sinhala language daily Divaina, has been receiving threats since reporting on the court proceedings of a torture case. Recently he reported on the case of eighteen-year-old Lalith Rajapakse, who was badly tortured […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 26 June 2002 FMM press release:
Provincial journalist threatened
A.J.A. Abeynayaka, a provincial journalist connected to the Sinhala language daily Divaina, has been receiving threats since reporting on the court proceedings of a torture case. Recently he reported on the case of eighteen-year-old Lalith Rajapakse, who was badly tortured at the Kadana police station. His newspaper took up the issue and wrote an editorial based on his report. Mr. Abeynayaka also reported on the death of Bernard Silva of Welisara that occurred while he was in custody at the same police station three years ago.
In a letter to the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Abeynayaka says that he is under constant threat. Individuals have been knocking at his family home at midnight and the sound of firearms has been heard outside his house. Mr. Abeynayaka believes that the threats against him and his family are related to those two reports. He appealed to the commission to provide the necessary security for him and his family.
Free Media Movement expresses its deep concern over these developments, which will hamper journalists’ right to work without fear and intimidation. The organisation requests that the relevant authorities hold an immediate inquiry and take the necessary steps to safeguard Mr. Abeynayaka’s right to life and right to work.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Convener
Free Media Movement
