JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 25, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channel
Journalist Meera Srinivasan is facing intimidation following a news story about Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena (pictured).
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Free Media Movement – Sri Lanka (FMM) in expressing concerns over the intimidation and urges the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure no further threat is made.
India-based The Hindu daily published a news report on October 16, under the byline of its Colombo-based correspondent Srinivasan, claiming that President Sirisena in a cabinet meeting claimed that the Indian intelligence agency RAW was engaged in activities to assassinate him. The President’s Office denied the news, but The Hindu maintained that the information was confirmed by four ministers.
Agriculture Minister and ruling party General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera in a public meeting in Belatta in Hambantota district said the four minsters who told The Hindu correspondent that the president had linked RAW to the alleged plot to assassinate him were themselves, RAW agents. He also said the government to find the journalist’s sources and take action on them.
FMM Convener C Dodawatta said: “The allegations against The Hindu correspondent Meera Srinivasan by the government and its supporters regarding her reportage about a statement made at the cabinet meeting go beyond the right of reply and have become a threat violating the media freedom and freedom of expression. The FMM feels that this baseless allegation against a Colombo based foreign correspondent is an act of bullying and draw the attention of all concerned to respect the right of a journalist to conceal the source of information.”
The IFJ said: “The IFJ is concerned by the Sri Lankan’s government approach towards the journalist’s sources. Witch-hunting sources of journalists and threatening action against them is a violation of press freedom and threatens media independence. The IFJ urges all concerned parties to respect the journalists’ rights and press freedom.” – IFJ media release/Photo: AFP
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.