All who value media freedom will condemn Sivaram's killing - Media Minister

Media and Information Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday condemned the brutal killing of journalist Dharmaratnam Sivaram, editor of TamilNet.

The statement: "All who value media freedom will deplore this gruesome killing. The UPFA Government, which cherishes the people's right to information without any hindrance, will never condone such actions.

We have acted against those who tried to stifle the media, regardless of their stature and party affiliations. When Mr. Iqbal Athas received threats, we probed the matter and took action against those responsible.

On the instruction of the President, security authorities have already commenced investigations into the killing. There will be no room for covering up any evidence and the culprits will be brought to justice as soon as possible.

The power struggle between armed groups in the North-East has led to the loss of a number of lives. Thinamarasu editor Ramesh Nadaraja and S. Kamaladasan were victims of this violent trend.

Although it is too early to say whether this killing is a result of this confrontation, some political parties and organisations are already accusing various groups of carrying out the murder. These accusations are made without any substantiation.

At a time when some sort of understanding is evolving between the Government and the LTTE, such charges being made by certain opposition parties and organisations bent on creating friction between the two sides may hinder the revelation of the truth behind the murder.

We also deplore such propaganda carried out by anti-Government elements intent on gaining cheap political mileage. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Sivaram."