(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 19 December 2005 FMM press release: Three journalists beaten in Jaffna by SL army Free Media Movement deplores and condemns the assault by government security forces on journalists covering a peaceful demonstration in Jaffna today, 19 December. Three journalists – Thinakural staff reporter Mr. T. Sabeswaran, Thinakaran (Lake House) […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 19 December 2005 FMM press release:
Three journalists beaten in Jaffna by SL army
Free Media Movement deplores and condemns the assault by government security forces on journalists covering a peaceful demonstration in Jaffna today, 19 December. Three journalists – Thinakural staff reporter Mr. T. Sabeswaran, Thinakaran (Lake House) reporter Wintson Jeyan and Namathu Eelanadu reporter Mr. G. Jerad – were beaten and their cameras were damaged.
Members of the Sri Lanka Army charged and opened fire at a demonstration march by Jaffna University students and staff this morning, wounding several university teachers, including the vice chancellor.
This situation confirms the fear expressed by FMM that escalating violence in this Northern province may jeopardize people’s rights to free expression, information and association. FMM urges all parties to practice restraint and to seek peaceful solutions to the contested issues.
While requesting that military authorities respect journalists’ right to cover any public event, FMM urges journalists working in war zones in Sri Lanka to take extra care of their safety when covering violent situations.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson
Free media Movement
