Sri Lanka: Tamil journalist arrested

Batticaloa-based Tamil journalist Selvakumar Nilanthan was arrested on October 21 for his reporting on protests against alleged corrupt activity involving a local Sri Lankan government official in 2020, spending a night in an Eravur police cell. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliates, the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions (FMETU), the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association and the Free Media Movement (FMM), in condemning the arrest and urging authorities to ensure the protection of Tamil journalists.

Tamil journalist Selvakumar Nilanthan was arrested on October 21 after reporting on protests against alleged corrupt activity. Credit: X

On October 21, Tamil Guardian correspondent Selvakumar Nilanthan was arrested after reporting on protests against alleged corrupt activity conducted by the Chenkalady Divisional Secretary (DS) in 2019.Nilanthan was arrested alongside two non-journalists on charges related to the obstruction of official duties. The following day, the Eravur Magistrate in Batticaloa District granted him bail, requiring his appearance at a later hearing on January 20, 2025. Despite being initially released on bail in 2019, the case was unexpectedly recalled on October 9, 2024, with police failing to notify the journalist of the proceedings.

Nilanthan had previously written extensively on similar issues, with focuses on concerns over the DS's alleged misconduct. The journalist claims that he has been subjected to ongoing harassment and intimidation as a result of his reporting, which has included threats from police officers at his residence.

Nilanthan reported spending the night in a cell filled beyond its intended capacity, describing the conditions as unsanitary. Despite having previously lodged complaints with authorities and the local Human Rights Commission Sri Lanka (HRCSL) office concerning the alleged harassment, Nilanthan claims that intimidation against him has intensified.

Nilanthan and his family have been questioned by authorities several times over the past five years, with the journalist leaving Sri Lanka in 2022 due to alleged harassment by police and anti-terror personnel.

The SLJWA said: "The Sri Lanka Working Journalists' Association (SLWJA) condemns the arrest of S. Nilanthan, whose reporting serves the public's right to know. Journalism must be safeguarded as a pillar of democracy, and no journalist should be treated as a criminal for fulfilling this duty. We urge authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists in Sri Lanka. We are particularly concerned about this incident and are closely monitoring the situation. As this matter is now before the court, we trust that justice will be served."

The FMM said: "We view this incident as a troubling example of the pressures faced by journalists in Sri Lanka when reporting on issues of public interest. Legal proceedings should not be weaponised to silence members of the media or discourage them from covering public protests or expressing views critical of authorities. We call on the relevant authorities to ensure due process is upheld, guarantee the safety of journalists, and prevent the misuse of legal avenues against the press."

The FMETU said: "FMETU will take necessary actions regarding this situation. The statement from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) holds significant importance for Sri Lankan journalists, especially as those from the Northern and Eastern regions continue to face numerous challenges."

The IFJ said:"The IFJ condemn the detention of journalist Selvakumar Nilanthan. Media work in the public interest must not be met with legal harassment or arrests. We urge Sri Lankan authorities to protect journalists and uphold the principles of free expression."