Court orders editor to submit notebook with Fonseka’s interview

The Colombo Chief magistrate ordered that the note book belonging to the Sunday Leader editor which contained the original transcript of the controversial interview with retired General Sarath Fonseka be produced in courts.

The magistrate issued this order when the case filed against The Sunday Leader alleging that publishing the said interview had been an offence under the Emergency Regulations.

The Sunday Leader editor Ms. Frederica Jansz was in possession of a notebook containing the original transcript of the interview with gen. Fonseka, where he is alleged to have stated that the Sri Lankan armed forces had shot dead white flag carrying Tiger cadres who had wanted to surrender. He is also alleged to have said that it was done under the instructions of the Defence Secretary, the Deputy Solicitor General informed courts.

He also stated that however Ms. Jansz had refused to submit the said note book to the authorities.

Colombomagistrate Champa Janaki Rajaratne issued notice on Ms. Jansz to appear in courts on June 21 with the original notebook containing the transcript of the interview. The Magistrate ordered that General (retired) Sarath Fonseka be kept under military custody till then.