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[Free Media Movement Press Statement]

Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva threatens Newspaper:

Five Media Organizations register its strong condemnation of the recent declaration of the deputy minister Mervyn Silva against the Divaina newspaper. Minister has threatened the news paper that he would stop its’ distribution in the areas of Kiribathgoda, if the newspaper is unable to prove the allegations lodged against a deputy minister on the 19th April, 2007. The news paper disclosed the fact that groups connected to a deputy minister is involved in extortion in the city of Kiribathgoda.

According to the editor of Divaina, this particular news item did not contain names of any person connected to the incident. However, the deputy Minister has threatened the newspaper saying that the report was personally against him.

In the year 1999, Mr. Mervyn Silva along with a group of supporters, threatened journalists of Divaina and protested against the newspaper in front of the Divaina office. We also note that the deputy minister had in several occasions declared satirical comments against journalists.

The five media organizations emphasize the fact that during the last few years, journalists around the country were abducted killed and threatened. Some media institutions were sealed and editors were threatened. The freedom of expression and the right to information of the people are under serious threat in the prevailing situation. Therefore, we request the government and the parties concerned to take necessary steps to control this grave situation.

Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association

Federation of Media Employees Trade Union

Free Media Movement – (Hot line 0777-289289)

Sri Lanka Tamil Journalists Alliance

Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum