Threats to Media Freedom in Sri Lanka Increasing Dramatically, Says Amnesty International

February 7th, 2008

[Washington, DC]-In a new report released today, Amnesty International warned that hostilities by Sri Lankan authorities are escalating in the country. In addition, threats to the media and media freedoms inside Sri Lanka have increased dramatically.

The organization has found that since the beginning of 2006, at least ten media workers have been the victims of unlawful killings; at least two have “disappeared” ; while others have been tortured and arbitrarily detained under emergency regulations (ERs), according to the report, Silencing Dissent. These ERs grant the government sweeping powers.

The report also shows that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) does not allow any independent local media in the territories it controls and closely monitors and restricts the work of journalists. On occasion, the LTTE has also targeted journalists in other parts of the country.

“To date, not one person has been held responsible for the murder of journalists and other media workers in Sri Lanka,” said Larry Cox, Amnesty International USA executive director. “The Sri Lankan authorities have a duty to their citizens to bring the perpetrators to justice and stop the security forces from intimidating media now. The international community should also demand nothing less, as free speech is a necessity to ensure that all Sri Lankans are not denied their human rights.”

Journalists, particularly those covering corruption issues, have also been targeted in the southern part of Sri Lanka. On August 16, 2007, the personal security provided by the government to veteran journalist Iqbal Athas was removed. Athas had been given police protection after being repeatedly threatened by members of the security forces who were angered by his coverage of arms deals.

Amnesty International also called on the LTTE to end its policy of intimidation of and attacks against the media in the areas it controls.

The Karuna faction, a splinter group of the LTTE reportedly acting with the consent of the government forces, is also reported to have harassed media and stopped the distribution of Tamil-language newspapers, “Sudar Oli” and “Thinnakkural, ” in Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara Districts (in the east) since at least January 2007.

In addition, there are increasing reports of intimidation of artists, including actors, writers and filmmakers. Asoka Handagama says the government is trying to ban his film, Aksharaya (Letter of Fire), as part of a general drive “to stop political and socially sensitive cinema”.

“Amnesty International urges the Sri Lankan government to respect and protect media workers under the country’s international law obligations, demonstrate that such attacks will not be tolerated and ensure that all attacks are fairly investigated and persons responsible are held accountable, ” said Jim McDonald, Amnesty International USA Sri Lanka country specialist.

Full Report at AI: Journalists in danger in Sri Lanka

Entry Filed under: Federalidea