The New York Times sounded alarm Tuesday over an "intimidation campaign" being waged against two Sri Lankan reporters who assisted the newspaper's investigation into alleged corruption involving former president Mahinda Rajapakse. The pair have been subjected to intense personal abuse on social media and public criticism by parliamentarians loyal to Rajapakse since the report was published late last month.
"It is unacceptable for journalists to be intimidated this way. This action appears intended to silence critics and curb press freedoms, and ultimately deprive Sri Lankans of information in the public interest," the New York Times said in a statement Tuesday.
"The Times expects the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the safety of journalists working for our - or any - news organisation."