To mark World Press Freedom Day, President Rajapaksa ordered the release of a journalist who was sentenced to 20 years in prison on terrorism charges.

Media watchdog group names freedom "predators"

Media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders has named the leaders of China, Russia and Rwanda as some of the world's worst "predators of freedom".

The report, marking World Press Freedom Day, lists what the Paris-based group regards as the 40 worst offenders against the freedom of the press.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il and the head of Burma's military government Than Shwe, are also on the list.

Mexico is named as among the most dangerous countries for journalists.

Sixty-two journalists have been killed in Mexico over the last decade.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has "promoted a climate of pumped-up national pride that encourages the persecution of dissidents and freethinkers", the report contends.
   
Group lists offences against press freedom in 40 countries

Sri Lanka pardons jailed editor

Israeli Defence Forces have physically injured at least 33 Palestinian journalists,

 Palestinian militant group Hamas is also criticised.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, of condoning attacks on journalists.

To mark World Press Freedom Day,  President Rajapaksa ordered the release of a journalist who was sentenced to 20 years in prison on terrorism charges.

Tamil journalist JS Tissainayagam had been convicted on the basis of articles he wrote which the government said incited racial hatred.

 Full report here   

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