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Alert

Gunmen attack Jaffna-based newspaper, killing two staff members and injuring two others

(FMM/IFEX) - Free Media Movement (FMM) is shocked to report that "Uthyan", the Tamil-language daily newspaper with the largest circulation in the capital of Jaffna, was attacked by unknown gunmen, resulting in the death of two media workers on the eve of World Press Freedom Day.

According to reports coming from Jaffna, five gunmen entered the main office of "Uthyan" at around 7:45 p.m. (local time) and opened fire on the editorial staff, killing two staffers, including the daily's marketing manager, and wounding two others. The gunmen destroyed all the computers in the office as well, firing at them.

The marketing manager, Mr. Suresh, 35, and Mr. Ranjith, 24, were killed.

Mr. Uthayakumar and Mr. Thayakaran, two staffers who were injured, were admitted to the Jaffna General Hospital.

FMM condemns the attack in the strongest terms. "Uthyan" has played a vital role in informing Jaffna people of politics, governance and day-to-day information, for more than 20 years. It has faced and survived many onslaughts against freedom of expression during the last two decades.

FMM urges the government to provide the necessary security to "Uthyan" so that it can continue its publication, and to initiate a speedy inquiry to bring to justice whoever is responsible for this attack.