Threats to Media Freedom in Sri Lanka Increasing Dramatically, Says Amnesty International
[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
Devinda Fernando said,
February 7, 2008 @ 4:52 pm
Media freedom, just like Freedom of speech has limits. When you see the sort of Traitorous comments and straight our False Propaganda supporting the Terrorists who are at war with our country you have to ask the question: where is the line between Media Freedom and Helping the Enemy?
Freedom of speech is not absolute. you cannot cry “FIRE” in a crowded theater. When media freedom adversely affectes public safety and costs the Lives of our citizens then the line must be drawn there.
If journalists are being put in harms way by their actions then perhaps they should consider very carefully the words they publish. We are in a new age of warfare where battles are no longer fought in the physical realm. The internet has been proven to be key in the psychological batte so please excuse me if I fail to care that a few media outlets becomes targets themselves. We lose soldeirs everyday, brave men and women charged with the resposibility of defending our country, journalists who fear for their lives when they print anti-government material should consider less hazardous occupations… or at the very least consider less hazarous types of journalism…perhaps sports writing might be the job for you?
Suresh M said,
February 10, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
# 1
D.Fernando,
What you means by “our country”.
We Sri Lankan Tamils have 100% Sri Lankan blood, can you claim that?
Gamini said,
February 10, 2008 @ 9:35 pm
AI trying to regain some of its lost credibility by brow beating poor nations about media freedom while terrorists blow up busses with civilian and pilgrims.
AI is a farce, their biggest fear is for media in Sri Lanka not its people. They dont care about us, where are the statements deouncing suicide bombings etc etc, no they only print ‘we ask both sides blah blah’ when blind freddy can see that the terrorists are doing.
AI needs to open its eyes and enter the real world instead of issuing Bull$$$t statements from their heated offices in New York.
Justin said,
February 11, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Sinhalese extremists will do anything, if they think that it may help the freedom movement in the North East. It appears that they will cut their own throat even and die.
Devinda wants people to hear only what that big mouth general Fonseka, shouts after his nightmares about defeating the LTTE.
Don’t you worry soon, such people will commit suicide. Adolf Hitler also had to commit suicide. He had no concern for the lives of neither civilians nor soldiers.
Devinda does not want the citizens to know how the soldiers are getting “slashed” in the North !!! We all know the truth. My friend, banning the media will not help in this civilised and technological age !!