Commission to investigate attacks on Tamil Journalists

[TamilNet, Monday, 10 March 2003, 01:57 GMT]
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has ordered to form a Commission consisting of retired judges to investigate into incidents in the NorthEast of attacks against Tamil journalists by the police and security forces, Government Information Department said in Colombo according to sources.

Recently Jaffna Journalists Association conducted a black band demonstration protesting against the attacks on Tamil journalists in Nelliady and Manipay in Jaffna district and in Valaichennai Batticaloa district. The JJA also sent a memorandum to the Prime Minister requesting him to conduct an investigation into these criminal acts and violations on the freedom of press.

Government Information Department also said in letter to the JJA that the Commission of Investigation will travel to Jaffna and Batticaloa to conduct detailed interviews and will determine compensation to be paid to the affected journalists, sources close to JJA said.

This letter has also been sent to the Secretary of the Prime Minister, Secretary to the Media Ministry, Jaffna Government Agent, and to the President of the JJA.

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