Sri Lanka media demand security

Image: BBC

Hundreds of journalists have protested outside the residence of Sri Lanka's president, demanding an end to a wave of attacks on the media.

The demonstrators called on Mahinda Rajapaksa's government to end what they said was a "culture of impunity".

At least 12 journalists have been killed in Sri Lanka since August 2005.

Campaigners for press freedom say Sri Lanka is fast becoming one of the most dangerous places for journalists to work in the world.

Wednesday's protest comes two days after a reporter and a British diplomat were attacked in the capital, Colombo.

Last month, the defence ministry launched a bitter attack on journalists, accusing them of irresponsible media analysis of the war with Tamil Tiger rebels.

Source: BBC