The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on the Sri Lankan government to immediately address the issue of journalist safety, following the murder of Subash Chandraboas, editor of Tamil monthly magazine Nilam, on April 19.
According to an IFJ affiliate, the Free Media Movement (FMM), Chandraboas, who also freelanced for London-based magazine Tamil World, was shot dead at his home in Thirunavatkulam, near Vanuniya, however it is still unclear whether his death was related to his work as a journalist.
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Chandraboas death and call for a full and independent investigation into his murder, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, IFJ President Christopher Warren said.
Last year in October, the IFJ and a number of press freedom organisations personally approached the government to request action on this issue of journalist safety, Warren said.
It is disturbing to see that despite their assurances to us, nothing seems to have been done, he said.
Chandraboas is the first journalist to be murdered this year in Sri Lanka. In 2006, seven media personnel were killed.
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