The Brussels based media organisation, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Free Media Movement on Friday condemned the attacking of a journalist in Trincomalee on November 15.
“The IFJ condemns the attack and threat to journalist in Trincomalee and urges the Sri Lankan authorities to take every measure to ensure punishment to the responsible; and to establish a safe working environment for journalists in Sri Lanka," the IFJ said in a statement.
See full statement here. Extract follows:
"On Tuesday, journalist Mohammed Geeth was attacked by the workers of a restaurant after a person claiming to be a media secretary of a local politician threatened him for reporting about hygiene of the restaurant food. Geeth had filed a report, which claimed the restaurant does not maintain hygiene after public health officials removed some unhealthy food during inspection."
"Geeth escaped the attack with the help of witnesses. Following the attack, a group of unknown people went to his home that evening and threatened him. The journalist has filed a police complaint and was admitted to hospital on November 16. The police have arrested three people in connection with the incident."
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