Minority journalists decry violence against them amid lack of press protection

Colombo/Sri Lanka – Crimes against journalists representing or from the Tamil ethnic minority have been reported at an alarming rate, as journalists said continued threats and violations against journalists constitute a violation of basic human rights.

Senior Journalist Harendran Krishnasamy said that harassment and violence against Tamil journalists have been on the rise, noting that two have been recently reported against journalists.

A reason to be more exasperated is the fact the authorities have condoned or have not taken the necessary actions against perpetrators.

Senior Journalist Shanuka Karunarathne explained that the “North Eastern War” that ended in 2009 still has manifestations to this day, as Tamil journalists are still being harassed on a large scale, adding there are many incidents of violence against journalists that would go unreported.

A24 News Agency reporter Karunarathne said that the Tamil community had hoped that with the end of the war, the treatment of Tamils would change; nevertheless, they were wrong as incidents against freedom of expression are being more and more suppressed.

Journalists have been urging the government to take action to investigate journalist killings and disappearances on the annual ‘Black January’ commemoration on January 28.

“Another journalist from the Batticaloa area has been singled out and is being scrutinized by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), disrupting his day-to-day media activities. Even though journalists have been harassed in the past, up to now, we do not see action taken to stem the threats against them. Although investigations were conducted into the matter, no conclusions have yet been uncovered,” said Krishnasamy.

He also added they will continue their endeavor untiringly to defend the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression and speak against those who violate it.

“In the recent past, we reported an incident whereby two journalists were assaulted in the Mullaitivu area. In Batticaloa, the Eastern Province, a journalist was under strict watch by the Sri Lankan Security forces,” said Karunarathne.