Sri Lankan journalist facing terror charge

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Sri Lankan journalist J.S. Tissainayagam has been officially charged under the Asian nation's terrorism act after five months in custody, activists say.

Free Media Movement activist Sunanda Deshapriya said Tissainayagam was charged with creating communal disharmony and bringing the government into disrepute under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the BBC reported.

Tissainayagam was detained early this year for publishing a magazine officials allege slandered the government and its ongoing military efforts against the Tamil Tigers rebel group.

Activists say the government is merely using the journalist as an example to stop others from criticizing its war with the rebels. Activists also say terrorism charges are creating an even more dangerous environment for journalists in the strife-worn country, the British network reported.

The BBC noted since August 2005, at least 12 journalists have been killed in Sri Lanka.