New York Times calls on Mahinda Rajapakse’s faction to stop intimidating their journalists
Posted on July 3rd, 2018
Courtesy NewsIn.Asia
Colombo, July 3 (newsin.asia) – The New York Times, on Tuesday called on Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the safety of its journalists in the island country following allegations of intimidation from the Rajapakse faction.
International Editor of the New York Times, Michael Slackman said a group of Sri Lankan parliamentarians allied with the former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, held a news conference to publicly criticize two journalists who contributed logistical assistance to a rigorously reported and accurate” New York Times investigation into the Hambantota port, published on June 26.
It is unacceptable for journalists to be intimidated in this way. This action appears intended to silence critics and curb press freedoms, and ultimately deprive Sri Lankans of information in the public interest.”
The Times expects the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the safety of journalists working for our — or any — news organization.”
If Mr. Rajapaksa takes issue with Times reporting, we have encouraged him to contact senior editors at The New York Times rather than intimidating Sri Lankan journalists.”