Sirasa accuses Minister of criminal intimidation

Sirasa TV lodged a police complaint of criminal intimidation against Labour Minister Mervyn Silva on Friday.

The complaint lodged by Director, News of MTV/MBC, Susil Kindelpitiya follows a threat issued by Minister Silva on Thursday, March 20 in Kelaniya.

Minister Silva threatened News First journalists of Maharaja Television when they went to cover an event on the new flyover in Kelaniya.

"Today I point my finger at you. Hereafter I will raise my hand. Therefore in the future, do not let me see you attending any function held in my electorate. I ask you who spread evil to find a place to hide," Minister Silva said referring to the News First journalists.

Silva's threat came barely 24 hours after he gave an assurance to President Mahinda Rajapakse that he will not threaten any media personnel.

Following the threat issued by the Minister, News Director Kindelpitiya wrote to IGP Victor Perera and brought to his notice Silva's threat.

"Given the numerous past instances of public violent attacks against citizens and media institutions by Minister Mervyn Silva, we are seriously concerned about threats to life and property of our News First staff," Kindelpitiya wrote.

He also said a public threat by a constitutional authority is an assault on democracy itself and constitutional principles and creates a fear psychosis in the minds of the public.

Kindelpitiya followed up his letter with a complaint to the Kelaniya police calling for an investigation into the criminal intimidation threat issued by the Minister.