NMSJ urges immediate probe into inhumane attack on journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara

Date:

Colombo (LNW): An immediate investigation should be carried out into the inhumane attack on journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara by the Sri Lanka Police, stressed the National Movement for Social Justice in a statement today (29).

Uduwaragedara who was reporting on a protest jointly organised by several trade unions, as well as the brutal assault on him by the Police, is an unjust act that can no way be condoned, in a clear demonstration the disrespect shown by certain parties for the freedom of expression, the NMSJ pointed out.

Uduwaragedara who was hospitalised due to sustaining injuring upon the attack by the Police was granted bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate Court today (29).

Full Statement:

The arrest of journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara who was reporting on a protest jointly organised by several trade unions, as well as the brutal assault on him by the Police, is an unjust act that can no way be condoned. It has clearly demonstrated the disrespect shown by certain parties for the freedom of expression.

The responsible parties should immediately pay attention to this brutal attack on a journalist by the Police, thereby threatening the freedom of expression, and misusing their power (Police). It is also our view that legal action should be taken against those responsible at the earliest possible.

It is sad that even though the relevant institutions have issued necessary guidelines so as to prevent this sort of incidents from happening, the relevant parties have ignored them. The Inspector General of Police, Chandana D. Wickramaratne should pay close attention to the occurance of such incidents when the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has issued clear guidelines to the Police about how to deal with public protests.

Accordingly, we, the National Movement for Social Justice, strongly request the responsible parties to investigate this incident immediately, and to take necessary measures so that such incidents do not happen again.

Sunil Jayasekara
General Secretary
National Movement for Social Justice

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

PM Embarks on Diplomatic Mission to India for Bilateral Talks and Keynote Address

PM Embarks on Diplomatic Mission to India for Bilateral Talks and Keynote Address

Economic Activity on the Rise as Sri Lanka’s Manufacturing and Services Sectors Gain Momentum

Economic Activity on the Rise as Sri Lanka's Manufacturing and Services Sectors Gain Momentum

Heavy falls above 100 mm likely in several districts (Oct 16)

Heavy falls above 100 mm likely in several districts (Oct 16)

Digitalisation: The Engine of a Re-Emerging Sri Lanka – Vision 2030 Edition

Digitalisation: The Engine of a Re-Emerging Sri Lanka – Vision 2030 Edition