IFJ says Sri Lanka has violated Geneva Convention

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said all media outlets should be treated as non-military targets according to international conventions.

"While the IFJ does not endorse or support the views of any particular media organisation, we maintain that all media should be treated as non-combatants," IFJ President Christopher Warren said in a statement.

'Illegal' radio

Transmitting towers of VOT in Killinochch were destroyed by Sri Lanka Air force (SLAF) on 17 October.

VOT journalist R Sarath told BBC Sandeshaya that two workers sustained injuries in the attack.

While the IFJ does not endorse or support the views of any particular media organisation, we maintain that all media should be treated as non-combatants IFJ President Christopher Warren

Government’s Defence Affairs spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, told bbcsinhala.com that the VOT was an “illegal” institution as it was not registered with the government.

He acknowledged however that the previous UNP-led government, of which he was a member, helped VOT getting technical support.

The IFJ said the attack was a breach of international law as Sri Lanka has an obligation under the Geneva Convention to protect journalists.

"The journalists at the VOT are unarmed citizens and thus should not be considered military targets under any circumstances," Christopher Warren said.

The IFJ, representing over 500,000 journalists in more than 115 countries, has been protesting targeting of media in conflict zones since the NATO strike on Radio Television Serbia in Belgrade in 1999.