(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Condemnation of hate speech against Editor of Sunday Leader The Free Media Movement (FMM) is seriously alarmed by the statements made in parliament on 1st February 2006 by the Propaganda Secretary of the Peoples Liberation Front (JVP), Mr. Wimal Weerawamsa, inciting hate against the Editor of […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
Condemnation of hate speech against Editor of Sunday Leader
The Free Media Movement (FMM) is seriously alarmed by the statements made in parliament on 1st February 2006 by the Propaganda Secretary of the Peoples Liberation Front (JVP), Mr. Wimal Weerawamsa, inciting hate against the Editor of the Sunday Leader, Mr. Lasanatha Wickrematunge.
Basing his statements in response to a report published by the Sunday Leader on an alleged terror attack on Colombo by the LTTE, the Secretary branded Mr. Wickrematunge a traitor. In a context of virulent verbal attacks against political opponents and an escalation of politically motivated violence and crime, these statements are disturbing for the opportunities they create for corroding of media freedoms in Sri Lanka.
The statement by Mr. Weerawamsa undermines the media’s role to hold those in public office accountable. In erroneously conflating the right to criticize with complicity, Mr. Weerawamsa curtails the right of the media to question the alleged security threats and death threats against politicians. This in effect is a censorship of media.
That the Sunday Leader is conspiring with the LTTE to promote its terrorism is a serious charge to level and contributes to a heightened climate of fear amongst journalists in Sri Lanka in recent times. Fear of grievous bodily harm or death and a culture of self-censorship are obviously detrimental to a culture of media freedom. Mr. Weerawamsa’s audacious statements in parliament may well contribute to death threats on Mr. Wickrematunge’s life in the context of deteriorating safety for journalists in Sri Lanka today.
As before, we staunchly uphold the right of every citizen to criticize the media and media reports, provided that such criticism is democratic. With all rights come responsibilities; in this instance, Mr. Weerawamsa’s inability to exercise his right to expression in a responsible manner, resulting in hate speech in Parliament, is a deeply disturbing development that questions his ability to hold high political office.
We strongly urge Mr. Weerawamsa and the JVP to desist from irresponsible statements and instead constructively engage with media to strengthen democracy in Sri Lanka.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson
