The newly re-elected government of Mahinda Rajapaksa has been accused of orchestrating a fresh crackdown on the media after a series of websites were blocked and their offices closed.  Journalists claim they have been harassed and assaulted, others have received death threats. Campaigners claim the government is  ‘settling scores’.

The Sri Lankan authorities also tried to expel a Swiss radio reporter. Karin Wenger‘s accreditation was revoked after she questioned the election process. After appeals from the Swiss embassy and human rights organisations her visa was reinstated.