By Our Correspondent
Guwahati, July 5,
Journalists’ Forum Assam (JFA) is deeply concerned on learning about the intimidation to journalists who had assisted in the reporting of an investigative story on the Hambantota port that was published by the New York Times (on 26 June 2018).
This blatant act of direct intimidation to two Lankan journalists is indeed worrisome as it is tantamount to gagging the free press in Sri Lanka, said a statement issued by JFA president Rupam Barua and secretary Nava Thakuria.
The forum appeals to all journalist associations and journalist protection bodies around the world to condemn such actions by politicians/parliamentarians and call upon the Sri Lankan government
in Colombo to ensure security for scribes.
“We stand in solidarity with all Sri Lankan journalists and also with other correspondents from foreign media working in the island nation and demand adequate protection to the media persons,” concluded the statement.