NMWJ protests harassment of web journalists

The National Movement of Web journalists ( NMWJ) condemned the questioning of journalists who reportedly supported New Democratic Party ( NDP) candidate Sajith Premadasa.

The NMWJ issued a statement after three journalists were questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over their work during the pre-election period.

“The NMWJ protests against the new government's attempts to suppress the media and journalists who opposed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the presidential election," said the statement.

Dhanushka Sanjaya, a news repoter for an internet news service, was questioned by the CID for eight hours.

In another incident a team of 14 police officers had stormed the News Hub web office of former Minister Champika Ranawaka on Thursday and the website's editor Tushara Vitharana was questioned for six hours.

The NMWJ expressed concerns of more reporters being called to the CID.

They said they advocate media freedom, freedom of expression and the right to information, because media repression is inappropriate and it fails to protect democracy and human rights.

The group also said that an alternate voice and fair criticism is necessary for an independent, law-upholding society.

"All citizens of Sri Lanka have a fundamental right to free speech and expression."

The NMWJ said it was asking President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the new government to stop media suppression, irrespective of party politics and to respect the freedom of speech, fair criticism, democracy, good governance, rule of law and media freedom.