FMM condemns SLA attack on Jaffna journalists

[TamilNet, Monday, 19 December 2005, 13:14 GMT]
"Free Media Movement deplores and condemns assault on journalists covering a peaceful demonstration in Jaffna by government security forces today. Three journalists- Thinakural staff reporter Mr. T. Sabeswaran, Thinakaran (Lake House) reporter Wintson Jeyan and Namathu Eelanadu reporter Mr. J. Jerad – were beaten and their cameras were damaged," said FMM in a press release issued in Colombo Monday.

Full text of the press release follows:

Free Media Movement deplores and condemns assault on journalists covering a peaceful demonstration in Jaffna by government security forces today. Three journalists- Thinakural staff reporter Mr. T. Sabeswaran, Thinakaran (Lake House) reporter Wintson Jeyan and Namathu Eelanadu reporter Mr. J. Jerad – were beaten and their cameras were damaged.

Sri Lanka Army baton 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 Northern Province may hamper people's right to free expression, information and association. FMM urge all parties to practice restrain and sought peaceful solutions to contested issues.

Requesting military authorities to respect journalist's right to cover any public event, FMM urge journalists working in war zone areas of Sri Lanka to be mindful of and to take extra care in their safety when covering violent situations.