Chamil Jayaneththi, a leader of the New Left Front has been charged by police for his participation in the media protest that took place on 9th January 2009 in front of Lake House, Colombo.
The protest was organisned by a broad coalition of media organizations, TUs, women’s organizations and political parties to protest the killing of the Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wikrematunge. Nearly 1000 people including political and civil leaders took part in the protest.
He has been charged by the Slave Island police for obstructing duties and breach of peace, law and order. Police filed a case at the Magistrate Court and Chamil has been served notice to appear in Courts on 02nd Monday. He has been charged by the Slave Island police for obstructing duties and breach of peace, law and order and has been served notice to appear in Courts on 02nd Monday.
Police have not even recorded a statement from him.
Senior police officers promised organizers of the event not to prosecute any one for participation in the protest when inquired about a rumor that police was going to arrest Chamil Jayaneththi soon after the protest.
5 media collective issued a statement today (30th January 2009) condemning the police action.