Article 19 condemns sentence imposed on HR activist 

[February 27, 2003 - 11.00 GMT]

Article 19 has condemned the sentence of one years’ imprisonment imposed by the Supreme Court of          Sri Lanka on Michael Anthony Fernando for contempt of Court.

Anthony Michael Fernando was convicted by the Supreme Court for repeatedly disturbing Court and sentenced to one-year's imprisonment on 6 February 2003.

“The process followed in this case, as well as the grossly disproportionate sentence, is likely to exert a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” Article 19 said. 

Article 19 said that is also considers the punishment meted out to Fernando to be grossly excessive.  

“We recognise the need for courts to be able to sanction those who fail to respect their rules, but sanctions on expression, like all forms of restriction, must be proportionate to the harm done,” the media watchdog said.  

                        Fernando is presently hospitalised at the General Hospital, Colombo following injuries sustained in prison.

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Last Updated Date: February 27, 2003  - 11.00 GMT.