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Assault on Journalist Mr. Namal Perera |
| 1/7/2008 |
| The Free Media Movement (FMM) is shocked and outraged at the brutal assault of Sinhala-language journalist and deputy head of the advocacy section of Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) Namal Perera and a friend this evening (Monday, 30th June 2008). Mr. Perera and his friend, Mr. Mahendra Amaraweera a Sri Lankan national working as head, political section of the British High Commission in Colombo, were driving between Narahenpita and Kirulapone at around 06.30 p.m. when they were waylaid. The assaulters attempted to abduct Mr. Perera, but were resisted, and both Mr. Perera and his friend were badly beaten in the fracas. They are currently receiving treatment at the Apollo hospital. The potential abductors had clearly shouted that it was Mr. Namal Perera they were seeking. more >> |
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Police question web media organization |
| 25/6/2008 |
| 23 June 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Free Media Movement (FMM) is deeply disturbed to learn that officers of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) visited the offices of www.lankaenews.com on 17th June 2008 and questioned its Editor Sandaruwan Senadeera and News Editor Benet Rupasinghe for three and half hours. Lankaenews.com is one of the eight media institutions recently named by Sri Lanka Ministry of Defense as being treacherous and partial to terrorists. The Editor of Lankaenews.com has been receiving threatening phone calls and hate mail for over than a year because of its independent news coverage. more >> |
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Journalist Tissainayagam: Over 100 days in Detention without Charge |
| 20/6/2008 |
| Senior journalist J. S. Tissainayagam, who was a regular columnist for The Sunday Times and the Editor of www.outreachsl.com completed 100 days in detention on 15th June 2008. He was detained on 6th March 2008 by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) of the Sri Lanka Police. He is detained under powers granted by Emergency Regulations currently in force, and has been given no specific and legally valid reasons for his detention at the time or since. We further understand that on 5th June 2008, the TID obtained new detention order for a further 90 days. more >> |
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Defence Ministry sets out Guidelines for Media (Self)-Censorship |
| 18/6/2008 |
| In a recent editorial posted on the Defence Ministry website, the Ministry has set forth its views and suggested guidelines with regard to reporting of military-related matters. While it is not clear whether this offensive editorial is a representation of official government policy, its content represents in intent and effect the imposition a framework for self-censorship on the media more >> |
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Politically motivated attack on peaceful protests |
| 10/6/2008 |
| FMM condemns the politicaly motivated attack on two protests organized by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on 8th and 9th this month. This protest was organized under the theme of hands off democracy; defend people's freedom of expression rights and right to protest. According to the JVP this attack was led by ruling party politicians in the area. more >> |
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Provincial journalist threatened |
| 10/6/2008 |
It has been reported to the Free Media Movement (FMM) that journalist Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa of Dambulla, Matale district was threatened with death by a ruling party politician in the area. Kanchana Kumara works for number of newspapers and radio stations as a freelancer.
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Post election violence in Eastern province; Forth journalist attacked in Batticloa |
| 9/6/2008 |
| Free media movement notes with disappointment that in continuing post election violence in the eastern province forth journalist in Kathankudi, Batticoloa district have been intimidated. It comdemens all these attacks in strongest terms. more >> |
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Journalist hacked to death in Jaffna |
| 29/5/2008 |
| 28th May 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Free Media Movement (FMM) reports with deep sadness that yet another journalist was murdered today in Jaffna, in the embattled Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The FMM vehemently condemns this dastardly act and extend our condolences to his wife and family. more >> |
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Government bars photographers, censors news from war front |
| 26/4/2008 |
25 April 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Government officials barred photographers from entering hospitals where soldiers injured in battle are being treated, four photo journalists told the Free Media Movement (FMM) yesterday. Hitherto, photographers have had no problems in entering hospitals to report on the casualties of war. It is highly likely that these measures have been taken after heavy losses (numbering in the hundreds) faced by the Sri Lankan Army earlier this week after fighting intensified in the North.
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Free Media Movement Treasurer receives threats and asked to pay ransom |
| 18/4/2008 |
| 18th April 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Free Media Movement (FMM) is appalled to place on record that its Treasurer, journalist K. Rushangan, has received threats demanding the payment of a ransom before 25th April 2008. more >> |
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JVP and the Government stifle the freedom of expression in Sri Lanka |
| 17/4/2008 |
‘17th April 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Free Media Movement (FMM) expresses its serious concern on discriminatory practices meted out to media institutions by state institutions, politicians and political parties of late.
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A note alerting you to harassment faced by journalists in Sri Lanka by Civil Defense Committees and members of the Police |
| 15/2/2008 |
| The Free Media Movement (FMM) would like to bring your attention significant problems faced by journalists and media workers in Sri Lanka in carrying out their duties. We firmly recognize the need to take into account the prevailing security situation in the country in your deliberations on the protection of all civilians from violence and harm. At the same time, we stress that security measures thus taken must not impinge on and severely undermine fundamental constitutional rights including the freedom of expression, the freedom of movement and other rights that have a bearing on media freedom. more >> |
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In the guise of telephone repairmen, Police enter photojournalist’s residence |
| 17/12/2007 |
Free Media Movement, Sri Lanka | Hotline +94 (0) 777289289
Press release / 16 Dec 2007
In the guise of telephone repairmen, Police enter photojournalist’s residence
16th December 2007, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Free Media Movement (FMM) is disturbed to learn that officers of Criminal Investigation Division (CID) visited the residence of senior Reuters photojournalist Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi at Sarojinee Watta, Ratmalana at 11am on 11th December and questioned his wife. Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi was away covering a cricket match in Colombo. more >> |
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Attacks against Provincial Media point to larger malaise in Sri Lanka |
| 14/12/2007 |
14th December 2007, Colombo, Sri Lanka: It has been reported to the FMM that three provincial correspondents were prevented form reporting an incident related to abuse of power by government officials. This incident took place at the Divisional Secretariat of Dimbulagala in the Polonnaruwa district on 12th December 2007.
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Press Release
