The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP, S Sritharan, condemned the ongoing intimidation of Tamil journalists by Sri Lankan police, despite promises of good governance by the new government.
"Tamils hoped for improvements that will strengthen human rights in this country under your regime. However, even after you became to power, intimidation and violence against Tamil journalists continues," Mr Sritharan wrote, in a letter to the president, Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday.
"Such unfortunate news will only blot your aim for a good governance," he added.
His letter follows the intimidation of three Tamil journalists by police in Jaffna this month after they reported on a protest staged outside Nallur temple against the contamination of water supplies.
“Crimes are being staged in front of our eyes, and such crimes are being carried out either by the police who are supposed to protect the people, or with their cooperation. As a result, the state of fear and mistrust is returning to Tamil speaking areas," Mr Sritharan said.
"How is it fair that the police, who are meant to provide protection, are involved in intimidating people?”
“These incidents show that Sri Lanka is still behind in media freedom.”
“Criminals that are guilty of the assault incident must be produced before courts to face justice. I urge you to guarantee that such incidents will not happen hereafter.”
Related articles:
IFJ condemns intimidation of Tamil journalists by Sri Lankan police (13 Apr 2015)
Uthayan journalists do not feel free – Editor (10 Apr 2015)
"Tamils hoped for improvements that will strengthen human rights in this country under your regime. However, even after you became to power, intimidation and violence against Tamil journalists continues," Mr Sritharan wrote, in a letter to the president, Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday.
"Such unfortunate news will only blot your aim for a good governance," he added.
His letter follows the intimidation of three Tamil journalists by police in Jaffna this month after they reported on a protest staged outside Nallur temple against the contamination of water supplies.
“Crimes are being staged in front of our eyes, and such crimes are being carried out either by the police who are supposed to protect the people, or with their cooperation. As a result, the state of fear and mistrust is returning to Tamil speaking areas," Mr Sritharan said.
"How is it fair that the police, who are meant to provide protection, are involved in intimidating people?”
“These incidents show that Sri Lanka is still behind in media freedom.”
“Criminals that are guilty of the assault incident must be produced before courts to face justice. I urge you to guarantee that such incidents will not happen hereafter.”
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Related articles:
IFJ condemns intimidation of Tamil journalists by Sri Lankan police (13 Apr 2015)
Uthayan journalists do not feel free – Editor (10 Apr 2015)
Jaffna journalist detained after investigating assault by Sri Lankan police (08 Apr 2015)
Tamil journalists threatened by police in Jaffna (08 Apr 2015)
New Sri Lanka govt has not led to anticipated change says Wigneswaran (06 Apr 2015)
Surveillance of journalists in North must stop, says international media mission (01 Mar 2015)
Sri Lanka ranks 4th in global impunity index for killings of journalists (16 Apr 2014)