IFJ condemns attack on journalist family

[TamilNet, Monday, 17 March 2008, 12:04 GMT]
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), a media watchdog, in a press release issued Monday, condemned the attack on the father and sister of journalist Munusami Parameshwari in Gampola, in the Kandy district, on March 14. Parameshwari has been in hiding after recent threats against her life.

Full text of the release follows:

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns an attack on the family home of journalist Munusami Parameshwari in which her father and sister were seriously injured.

According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, several intruders armed with clubs forcibly entered the home in Gampola, in the Kandy district, on March 14.

The attackers reportedly surrounded the house and prevented family members from seeking urgent medical attention. The group warned the family that Parameshwari would risk death if she returned to Gampola. The Gampola police eventually rescued the family.

Parameshwari has been in hiding after recent threats against her life.

Parameshwari and her family have been targeted with vicious attacks since she was arrested by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) while working as a crime reporter for the Mawbina Sinhala-language newspaper in November 2006. Articles in newspaper reports alleging she was carrying explosives, as well as public statements by government ministers linking her to terrorist groups, proved to be fabricated.

The Mawbina has since closed after its editor and financial manager were arrested and the company’s assets were frozen by government officials.

Three weeks after Parameshwari was released without charge on March 22, 2007, she was kidnapped by uniformed men who assaulted and threatened her with death if she continued to report on crimes or conduct investigations into abductions.

On June 14, 2007, two people disguised as police officials took her passport and national identification at gunpoint.

“The horrendous treatment of Munusami Parameshwari and her family as a result of Parameshwari’s efforts to uphold press freedom as a much-needed democratic value in Sri Lanka is appalling. The Sri Lankan Government must act immediately to ensure the perpetrators of this vile attack are brought to justice,” said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.

Chronology:


Related Articles:
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External Links:

IFJ:

Family of Threatened Journalist Seriously Injured in Attack in Sri Lanka