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Assault on Meepura editor : Two arrested
View(s):Two suspects were arrested yesterday in connection with the attack on a web journalist from Negombo, police said.
A Negombo Municipal Council (NMC) worker and his brother were arrested and remanded until June 14 over the attack on Freddy Gamage, editor of Meepura website, Chief Inspector Samanthilaka Weliwita Officer-in-Charge of Negombo Police said.
Mr. Gamage had been assaulted with a wooden pole by two men wearing full face masks when he was returning to his vehicle after covering an NMC meeting. He was later admitted to hospital after sustaining head injuries.
The Government condemned the attack saying there was no room for media suppression under the new regime while the Department of Information, several local media organisations and international media organisations also voiced concern.
The New York-based international press freedom organisation, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.
“The government’s vows not to let Sri Lanka return to the bad old days of rampant attacks on journalists must be followed by swift and effective justice,” CPJ’s Asia Programme Coordinator, Bob Dietz said. Mr. Gamage is known for exposing corrupt activities within the NMC, the Sunday Times learns.