Shortly before his ‘disappearance’, Prageeth had completed a comparative analysis of the two main presidential candidates, coming out in favour of the opposition.
Today is World Press Freedom Day. Sadly journalists around the world face intense pressure to stop them from exposing uncomfortable truths. From trumped-up charges to harassment and even murder, journalists such as Prageeth are often targeted simply for doing their jobs.
You can help ensure journalists like Prageeth can do their jobs. Take action now.
1. Abduction and murder In the days leading up to his ‘disappearance’, Prageeth told a close friend that he believed he was being followed. Local residents reported seeing a white van without number plates close to his house around the time he went missing. His family has been left in limbo, not knowing where he is or whether he is dead or alive.
White vans have been used in many abductions and enforced ‘disappearances’ in Sri Lanka, particularly since 2006, when state agents and paramilitary groups increased their attacks. Since that time, fifteen journalists have been killed in Sri Lanka and a further 25 forced to flee the country in fear of their lives.
2. Harassment On 25 January 2010, Prageeth’s wife, Sandya, went to lodge a complaint with the local police about his presumed abduction. Instead of promptly responding to her complaint, the police detained her for several hours at the police station before releasing her.
She has spent over four years fighting for information from authorities, searching for her husband, not knowing if he is dead or alive.
Rbobert will you help Sandya find the truth and bring her beloved husband and father of her two sons home?3. Trumped up charges Journalists who remain in Sri Lanka face intimidation, threats and arrest if they criticise the Government or ask difficult questions about what happened at the end of the brutal conflict.
Under draconian laws in Sri Lanka, people can be arrested without charge or trial and held for up to 18 months. Locked in a sinister waiting game and denied the right to a lawyer, they are increasingly vulnerable to torture.
Demand authorities investigate all attacks and abductions of journalists in Sri Lanka and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
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