Arrested Journalist reveals how he was assaulted (Video)

April 1, 2022 at 4:31 PM

A journalist and a woman whose husband had been arrested during last night’s public protest in Mirihana have spoken of their ordeal. 

Over 55 people have been arrested in connection to the protest, which was staged outside President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s private residence in Mirihana.

The protesters were attacked with tear gas and water cannon, while the Government branded it an act of ‘organized extremists’. 

Freelance video journalist Sumeda Sanjewa who was arrested over the incident told media that he had fallen to the ground when the Police had ganged up and beaten him.

Sumeda Sanjewa said nearly four or five officers in uniform and in civil attire had assaulted him.

According to reports, at least seven journalists have been assaulted in the public protest that took place yesterday.

Meanwhile, a healthcare worker at the Ragama Hospital who had arrived at the location to help injured protesters has also been assaulted and arrested. 

The man’s wife told the media that she heard her husband and other protesters being beaten up by the Police during a telephone conversation with her husband. 

She also revealed that a Police Officer had verbally abused her on the telephone when she attempted to inquire about the whereabouts of her husband. (NewsWire)