AI alleges media on hit list

15 March 2010 11:13 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The international human rights group Amnesty International (AI) claims it is in possession of a “hit list” believed to be compiled by the Sri Lankan intelligence unit with names of at least 35 leading journalists and NGO officers.

Amnesty International, in a statement, claimed that the list then grades each of them according to their importance to the intelligence services. Amnesty International fears that the leak was a deliberate move by the government to intimidate and harass journalists in the country.

Mike Blakemore, Media Director of Amnesty International UK, said that such a blatant leak can have only one purpose and that is to intimidate those individuals on the list and deter anyone from speaking to them.

“Journalists are often at the forefront of protecting and defending individuals’ human rights. It is their bravery that can help expose abuses and bring them to an end.

“Sri Lanka needs to respect media freedom and allow human rights defenders to go about their work freely and without harassment.”

Amnesty International is calling on all its supporters to write to the Sri Lankan authorities expressing their concern for the safety and well-being of the 35 people on the list.

Two human rights defenders, Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu and J C Weliamuna, are at particular risk.

Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, executive director of the Sri Lankan NGO, the Centre for Policy Alternatives, and J C Weliamuna, Sri Lanka director of international NGO Transparency International, have both been threatened previously and are graded as being of great interest to the intelligence services on the list. Other colleagues from their organisations are also named. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 9

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 03:36 PM

We have finished the war against known terorists. Now it's time to recognice real enemies.

Monday, 15 March 2010 11:49 PM

A few days ago Attorney-General Mohan Pieris offered protection to Sri Lankan journalists who had fled the country ... and now we read news on a 'hit list.' We would invite the Attorney-General to make his comments on this 'hit list.'

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 08:06 AM

Hit List? This may be a fabricated story because why CID couldn't even keep a list secret if such a thing existed? Which fool keeps a hit list any way?

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 08:34 AM

Sara and Amune both are Traitors anyway

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 08:37 AM

So..they have given up the white Van strategy?

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 09:35 AM

AI should make this list available to public so that we can believe this news item, because on many occasions they were found to be lying

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 09:40 AM

ha ha ha. nice immagination!

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 10:03 AM

More work for White van men ahead!!?

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 11:04 AM

earlier HIT LIST is famous with LTTE. now with the Goverment. what a pathetic story. that y the emergency extended.

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AI alleges media on hit list

Comments - 9

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