(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: FMM condemns killing of Mr. Kandasamy FMM condemns the killing of writer Kandasamy Ayer, alias Balan Naraj, on the morning of 16 August 2004 by unidentified gunmen in Colombo. Mr. Kandasamy was gunned down by two assailants as he was leaving home for work. Mr. Kandasamy […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
FMM condemns killing of Mr. Kandasamy
FMM condemns the killing of writer Kandasamy Ayer, alias Balan Naraj, on the morning of 16 August 2004 by unidentified gunmen in Colombo. Mr. Kandasamy was gunned down by two assailants as he was leaving home for work.
Mr. Kandasamy worked as a media secretary for the Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP), a former militant organization that has been represented in parliament for more than a decade. He contributed to newspapers on various issues and produced several short story books as well. His pen name was Irayaran. He was 48 years old and the father of three children.
It seems that his murder could be another revenge killing in the unrelenting killing spree between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its breakaway eastern Karuna Amman faction. Both sides have been accused of killing civilians, including media personnel. The EPDP has been supporting the Karuna Amman faction’s efforts to establish a political party.
Although Mr. Kandasamy’s killers have not been identified, common political knowledge points the finger towards the LTTE. FMM condemned the previous killing of a journalist, apparently by another faction, a few months ago, and now condemns this murder as well.
FMM urges all sides in these clashes not to harm civilians, including media personnel. Targeting civilians, including media personnel, during an armed struggle goes against all accepted national and international human rights principles.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson
Free Media Movement
