Abduction and release of journalist: End this impunity, says NPC
May 23rd, 2008
Statement by National Peace Council of Sri Lanka:
The abduction of senior journalist, Keith Noyahr, Associate Editor of the Nation newspaper just outside his home in a residential suburb of Colombo is a shocking incident that highlights the vulnerability of human rights and the media in Sri Lanka. Mr Noyahr wrote the defence column for his newspaper in addition to editing it. The National Peace Council condemns this abduction which adds to the dismal toll of victims of serious human rights violations. Ironically, this incident occurred on the day after Sri Lanka failed to obtain re-election to the UN Human Rights Council which demands that member countries demonstrate the highest adherence to human rights norms.
The bruised face of Keith Noyahr-pic AFP via Yahoo! News
A notable feature of these abductions is that they take place even in areas where there is a high level of security and checkpoints at regular intervals. It appears that the abductors are able to take their victims through these security checkpoints with impunity. In addition there have been a number of attacks on journalists, leading in some cases to their death, in which the perpetrators have been able to get away with impunity.
While we are happy to note that Keith Noyahr has been released following appeals to the highest government authorities we are appalled that this incident took place. He had been physically assaulted and we join his family and loved ones in wishing him a speedy recovery. The sooner those who ordered the abduction and those who carried it out are identified and brought to justice, the sooner will it be possible for us to move forward as a society that respects the rights of individuals, even those holding opposing views, and truly re-emerge as a united nation respecting
democratic norms.
Executive Director
On behalf of the Governing Council
National Peace Council of Sri lanka
Entry Filed under: NPC, Press Statement
4 Comments Add your own
1. samuel | May 24th, 2008 at 8:45 am
So far, nothing has happened after the ‘investigation’ of the assault of News Director Chandrasekera of Rupavahini by Minister Mevyn Silva and his thugs.
The only result of this ‘investigation’ has been that several members of Rupavahini staff have been further assaulted and injured.
The NPC should first demand that this investigation be finalised and those responsible be indicted.
If not, the Keith Noyahr assault investigation will end similarly – as have many others before.
2. mahindan rasiah | May 24th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
This proves how much power the public holds than any of the political powers. If the entire public put their minds to remove corruption abuse of power, We will definitely attain them. Public pressure has made the government authorities to back down from their attempt killing journalist Keith Noyahr
Mahindan Rasiah
3. Ardneham | May 25th, 2008 at 4:22 am
Sir,
I must say that the
statments of NPC & FMM are ad-neuasm in
regards to such incidents. Could they along
with the Media Outfits make a Reward of
Rupeees two Million for authentic information
leading to the arrest of those concerned?
If jounalist cannot trace the culprits, one wonders
how laymen who are abducted will ever have
a Case initiated, in Sri Lanka !!
4. samuel | May 26th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Keith Noyahr was abducted and assaulted soon after his article exposing the fraudulent, partial
and unjust procedures for promotions in the army.
He obviously had obtained his information from sources in the armed forces.
Those exposing fraud, corruption, injustice and
loss of men and material in the conflict by the
armed forces are labelled “traitors” !
The COPE revealations about corruption & fraud
in procurement of war material is slowly being “swept under the carpet” and the Chairman of COPE who crossed over is being vilified.
Those who crossed over to the government side in parliament to escape exposure are now well entrenched in the halls of power.
It is well known by the public that the “white van”
and other hit squads who pass through the many check points with weapons are backed by the state.
Any amount of rewards by anyone will hence not result in their capture and indictmant. When a Minister like Mervyn Silva gets away with assault through his army of thugs, noone will come forward with information. His son and Chief Thug KuduLal were freed soon after being arrested during impersonation in the recent EP elections.
Sri Lanka is now a military/police state in all but name.
State Terrorism has dawned.
Even in the “newly liberated” eastern province, armed cadres of the prime minister’s party, cadres of a cabinet minister’s party and armymen in civvies hold sway.
Nothing will result in any investigation into the assault of any journalist or any others who state the truth.
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