Sri Lanka: RSF is alarmed by attacks on freedom of information as presidential election looms
Sri Lanka systematically harasses journalists using counter-terrorism laws to silence critical reporting on human rights abuses. This trend creates a chilling effect, particularly for Tamil media covering sensitive historical and political issues, undermining democratic accountability. The arbitrary use of these statutes targets specific ethnic and political voices, effectively criminalizing legitimate journalism. Such judicial harassment forces reporters into self-censorship, eroding the essential checks and balances required for a free society. This context is vital for open data advocates, as it highlights the dangers of opaque state actions and unchecked surveillance. Transparent, accessible information serves as a crucial counterweight to state secrecy and repression, protecting both data sources and those who seek to understand it.
Source: rsf.orgPublished on 2024-09-19