Embassy of Japan condemns the abduction and killing of Sivaram

[TamilNet, Friday, 29 April 2005, 12:23 GMT]
Condemning the abduction and killing of Journalist Sivaram, Mr. Akio Suda, Ambassador of Japan said that the murder of Mr. Sivaram is a blatant attack on democracy and the freedom of speech.

Fulltext of the Press Release follows:


The Embassy of Japan wishes to release the following statement made by the Ambassador of Japan Mr. Akio Suda, condemning the abduction and killing of Mr. Dharmeratnam Sivaram.

"I was shocked and extremely disturbed by the news of the abduction and killing of a senior journalist Mr. Dharmeratnam Sivaram. I express my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his bereaved family and friends. Whatever be the background of the perpetrators, such a heinous act should not be tolerated. Freedom of speech is the very basic component of a democratic society and should be upheld and respected by one and all. This murder of Mr. Sivaram, a senior journalist is a blatant attack on democracy and the freedom of speech, and must not be ignored by those who advocate peace and democracy. I vehemently condemn this dastardly act of the murder of Mr. Sivaram and wish to state that such despicable acts will not hinder the efforts of promoting the peace process in Sri Lanka."

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