JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 20, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channel
Sri Lanka’s government has transferred police Inspector Nishantha Silva, who was investigating several major investigations into attacks on journalists during former President Mahinda Rajapaksha’s tenure out of the Criminal Investigation Department with immediate effect raising concerns about the future of his investigations.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) in expressing serious concerns over the events that threaten press freedom, justice and labor rights movement amid the political crisis after the appointment of Rajapaksha as prime minister.
Silva was the chief investigator on several major investigations into attacks on journalists including the abduction and assault of Rivira’s former Editor Upali Tennekoon, Nation Deputy Editor Keith Noyahr, senior journalist Namal Perera as well as the assassination of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, and others. Silva was reportedly transferred on the order of the Minister of Law and Order on the direction of President Maithripala Sirisena.
SLWJA President Dhuminda Sampath said: “We believe that this sudden transfer was made to hold up the above-mentioned court cases, and under these circumstances, we are shocked as media freedom and safety of journalists are in danger.”
Meanwhile, the SLWJA leadership have been threatened for speaking out against issues facing the media, particularly threats to journalists in the state media organizations.
Since the beginning of the political crisis in late October, SLWJA leaders including President Sampath, immediate past President Lasantha Ruhunage, Vice-Presidents Kanchana Marasinghe and Shantha Priyadarshana, General Secretary Frank De Zoysa, national organizer Nimal Abeysinghe, treasurer T Nadarasa and other committee members have faced threats and harassment for the works of SLWJA is advocating for journalists rights, and opposing attacks against journalists and media.
A video of Ruhunage, also the deputy editor of the Anidda that protested the appointment of Rajapaksha, and members K. Sanjeewa and Tharindu Uduwaragedara informally chatting to organizers of a press conference called by Sri Lanka Lawyer's Association was broadcast on television channels and circulated on social media labeling them as traitors.
The IFJ said: “The IFJ is seriously concerned by the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, and the threats and harassment of journalist union leaders for standing up for freedom of expression, press freedom and journalists’ rights. Expressing solidarity with its affiliate Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association and all other journalists in Sri Lanka, the IFJ urges the Sri Lankan government to uphold press freedom, editorial independence and journalists’ rights; ensure the safety of the journalists and union leaders, and those responsible for threats and harassment on them punished according to the law.”- IFJ media release
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.