UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, has expressed concern over the interrogation of Tamil journalist and human rights defender Kanapathipillai Kumanan by Sri Lanka’s Counter Terrorism and Investigation Division (CTID).
“Hearing disturbing news from #SriLanka: HRD & journalist Kanapathipillai Kumanan was interrogated by the Counter Terrorism & Investigation Division for documenting Tamil community issues, peaceful protests & land rights. This inquiry targets legitimate journalism, international engagement & the protection of human rights,” Lawlor said in a statement on X.
Kumanan, who has long reported on militarisation, land grabs and the daily struggles of Tamils, was summoned by the CTID last week. The questioning reportedly centred on his coverage of local protests and his engagement with international actors, activities that fall squarely within the remit of independent journalism and human rights defence.
Rights groups have condemned the move as an attempt to intimidate journalists and silence dissent. Tamil journalists, particularly in the North-East, remain vulnerable to surveillance, harassment and reprisals from security forces.
Sri Lanka has faced longstanding criticism for its stifling of press freedom, with Tamil journalists disproportionately affected. Many have faced arbitrary detention, assault, and surveillance for reporting on war crimes, land occupation and ongoing repression in the Tamil homeland.
