Statement Issued by the Professional Web Journalists Association.
The Professional Web Journalists Association firmly believes that arrests and criminal investigations must be conducted strictly in accordance with the procedure established by law.
It is our association’s observation that the forced extraction of ‘voice cuts’ from suspects through coercion or influence after their arrest, and the subsequent release of those clips to the media and social media, occurs with the tacit approval of the Sri Lanka Police.
Furthermore, such childish and unprofessional actions severely damage the image of our country’s Police Department, raising serious questions and doubts about the professionalism of the investigating officers. Ultimately, this undermines public confidence in the entire criminal justice system, bringing disrepute to the whole system.
Our association urges the Sri Lanka Police and other law enforcement agencies to immediately cease the release of footage of arrested suspects to the media by the police officers themselves.
Finally, even though the finger is often pointed at the media and social media, we have a reasonable suspicion that in many instances, these video clips are being released by the Police Department itself. If this is the case, it is a serious offense for law enforcement agencies to propagate such footage while violating the law and professional ethics themselves.
As has been repeatedly pointed out by judges, legal experts, Police Spokespersons, senior police officials, and by the law of this country from time to time, arrest does not equate to a conviction.
Our association believes that in enforcing the law, the fundamental rights of all citizens must be respected, and investigation efficiency and professionalism must be safeguarded.
Therefore, we emphatically urge the Sri Lanka Police, the Ministry of Defence, and all responsible authorities to immediately stop broadcasting such video footage without pointing fingers at the media.