Cartoonist and journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda disappeared on January 24, 2010 in Colombo, two days before the Presidential election, for which he was campaigning against the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The case was re-opened in March, 2015 by Sri Lankan President Sirisena. In August 2015, a number of military intelligence members were charged with his abduction. Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe spoke out against the behaviour at the court house, saying “everyone is equal before the law and the law should be enforced on anyone no matter who they were.”The FMM convenor Seetha Ranjanee and secretary C Dodawatta, said: “Punishing those who try to disrupt the case of Prageeth Eknakigoda’s disappearance is a pre-condition for the fair hearing of the case. If the culprits are not punished, they will continue to disrupt and influence the court proceedings.”The FMM urged the government and police to take action against the threats directed at Sandya Eknaligoda and not to allow any disruptions during the court proceedings.The IFJ Asia Pacific said: “We strongly criticise the actions of those trying to disrupt the official court proceedings into the abduction of Prageeth Eknaligoda. The authorities and courts should be able to do their jobs freely without threat or attack. We condemn the threats made to Prageeth’s wife, Sandya Eknaligoda, and demand immediate action from the authorities against the threats.”
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