Journalist threatened inside police station in Sri Lanka
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its
affiliate the Free Media Movement (FMM) in condemning the inaction of
the police while a TV journalist was threatened inside a police station
in Sri Lanka on September 27. The IFJ demands that the authorities
immediately investigate the incident.
Ranjith Karunaweera, a journalist with Hiru TV in Mahiyanganaya of
Badulla District in Uva Province of central Sri Lanka, was threatened
over a news story by a group of people when he arrived at the Hasalaka
police station to give his statement in a case filed against him.
Local sand miners had filed a complaint at the police station after
Karunaweera’s news report on illegal sand mining in the Mahaweli river
bed and how it threatened the environment and stability of Weraganthota
bridge. His story showed visuals of heavy machinery being used for sand
mining although the use of heavy machinery is prohibited.
The police summoned Karunaweera for a statement and upon his arrival,
a group of nearly two dozen sand miners used abusive language and
threatened to kill him. Other journalists who accompanied him and were
waiting outside the police station led him to safety. Following the
intimidation, Karunaweera filed a complaint at the Mahiyanganaya Police
Station against the Hasalaka police for not acting upon the death
threats.
FMM convener Seetha Ranjanee and secretary C. Dodawaththa in a
statement said, “The police officers in the station did not take any
action to stop the threats. The FMM expresses its displeasure over the
police for not taking appropriate action against the violent behavior of
the sand miners and for acting in favor of them.”
The FMM requested the Inspector General of Police to order an
unbiased investigation into the incident and demanded necessary action
to ensure personal safety of journalists. The FMM added, “Instead of
inquiring into the threats, the police supported the creation of a
threatening environment for the journalist.”
Condemning the sand mining lobby for threatening and intimidating a
journalist from carrying out his duty, and the Sri Lanka police for
allowing such intimidation within the police precincts, the IFJ said,
“Such incidents undermine journalists’ safety and their ability to
report without fear. The IFJ demands immediate investigation into the
case and appropriate punishment to those found guilty.”
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0946
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries
Find the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific 
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