LOC14:45
11:45 GMT
PARIS, Sept 1 (KUNA) -- The French authorities expressed consternation here
Tuesday upon learning of the conviction and sentencing of a Sri Lankan
journalist to a 20-year jail term for alleged support for terrorism.
J.S. Tissainayagam, who is an editor with the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka and
works with an internet publications was judged guilty by the Sri Lankan High
Court, but France said that the case is to be appealed.
"J.S. Tissainayagam was condemned with this heavy sentence for simply doing
his job as a journalist," a French Foreign Ministry statement said.
"We will attentively follow the appeals procedure and we hope it will lead
to a release from custody for J.S. Tissainiayagam," the statement added.
The statement also warned that "attacks against freedom of expression and
free exercise of their profession by journalists are a threat for democracy
(and) France calls on the Sri Lankan government to respect fundamental rights
and freedoms." (end)
jk.aj
KUNA 011445 Sep 09NNNN