A group staged a demonstration in front of the house of Colombo based ‘Sunday Times’ Defence Correspondent Iqbal Athas today evening. He also have experiences more than 35 years in journalism. Formerly group news editor and deputy editor of Sun Group. Harry Brittain Fellow of the Commonwealth Press Union. Colombo based correspondent for CNN and Jane's Defence WeeklyThe protestors have accused the senior journalist of being a traitor to the country.It is reported that the protest had been led by Western Provincial Councilor Upali Kodikara, a close associate of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. His wife is the Chairperson of the Maharagama Urban Council, Kanthi Kodikara.
Athas has made himself a name as a defence analyst, and his writings and exposures have drawn death threats by anonymous callers on various occasions, prompting calls for police protection to him.
Very recently, following his exposure of irregularities in the purchase of MiG-27 aircraft, the police protection given to him was withdrawn. Continuing threats to his life forced him to suspend the widely-read defence column for the ‘Sunday Times’ last week.
Several media rights organizations, including the Free Media Movement, have raised concern over the withdrawal of protection to Iqbal Athas.
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