Thuggery against media personnel continues

In yet another serious blow to media freedom, a four-member gang allegedly attempted to harm a journalist attached to the SLRC who was involved in videotaping the ‘infamous December 27 incident where Labour Minister Mervin Silva wreaked havoc along with a gang of thugs.

The journalist, Assistant Director News Camera Priyal Ranjith Perera, was threatened by an unidentified gang last evening while he was in his residence at Pitakotte. According to Perera four persons clad in black arrived at his home and asked for a deal to film a wedding ceremony.

“They came and rang the bell of my home. While I was opening the door I got suspicious by the look of them. I am used to taking precautions after the December 27 incident. So, I told them that those doing such video work are not here right now. At that point, he said, one of the gang had pulled out something that looked like a knife from his trouser pocket and tried to harm him. “I shut the door with a bang and shouted saying thieves had broken into my home. My neighbours having heard me screaming and rushed to see what was wrong. According to eye witnesses the attackers fled in a three-wheeler. I suspect a link between the December 27 melee and this incident. My staff filmed the mayhem that day. Since then I have been under threat,” he said.

Meanwhile, President of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association Sanath Balasuriya also said they suspected this incident was linked to the December 27 fracas and a fair and impartial investigation into the incident should be conducted to bring the culprits to book. Mr. Balasuriya said they were aware of such kind of threats to any journalist seen to be involved in the Rupavahini case. “We strongly believe there is a connection between the two cases.

The authorities concerned can dispel our suspicions only through a proper investigation to identify the perpetrators. At this point those who witnessed the December 27 incident should be united to overcome the present challenges without being divided,” he said.