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‘Udayan’ editor attack: Rise up forthwith on behalf of media freedom & democracy! -JVP
Saturday 30 of July 2011(Lanka-e-News -30.July.2011, 3.30P.M.)The Editor of ‘Udayan’ newspaper Mr. Gnalingam Kuganathan was attacked by thugs yesterday (29th) evening. The attack has been carried out near the newspaper office. Mr. Kuganathan, seriously injured in the attack carried out by two masked persons in a motorbike, has been admitted to intensive care unit of the Jaffna Hospital.
While resolutely condemning the savage attack we demand the government to bring those responsible for the grave crime before the law immediately.
The government has not been able to arrest anyone responsible for the incident yet. Being able to flee after attacking a journalist in Jaffna where security is at a maximum level does mean the invisible hand of the government has been active. Hence, the government will not be able to evade allegations aimed at it for the attack. The people in the country as well as masses in the world would have their eyes open to see whether the government would be silent as in other instances when journalists were targeted for attacks or whether legal action would be taken against the wrongdoers of this attack. Full story >>
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Police protection for area surrounding 'Uthayan'
Police protection has been provided to the area surrounding the office of Jaffna-based Uthayan news paper who’s Chief news editor was brutally attacked by an unidentified gang yesterday evening News Editor, Gnanasundaram Kuganathan was attacked while he was traveling along the Navalar Road in Jaffna, after which he was admitted to the Jaffna Hospital in critical condition.
The police and army are also carrying out frequent security patrols in the area. (Kavisuki)
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BHC Says Britain Believes In Free Media
A spokesperson for the High Commission has told the media that Channel 4 is an independent television broadcaster and thatBritainbelieved a free media is a vital part in every democratic country.
The statement was made in response to a comment made by a senior official in the country’s defence establishment that the British Government should take action against Channel 4 for airing what he describes as “an irresponsible video.”
“Britainhas a robust mechanism for ensuring that media organizations, maintain appropriate ethical and legal standards, but the government doesn’t exercise control over media contents,” British High Commission spokesperson has said.