Sri Lanka minister Mervyn Silva threatens journalists

23 March 2012By Charles HavilandBBC News, Colombo,

Mr Silva (left) has been involved in many controversial incidents

Continue reading the main story

A Sri Lankan cabinet minister has threatened violence against journalists and human rights activists who he says have been opposing the government.

Mervyn Silva also admitted forcing a journalist to flee two years ago.

The remarks come one day after the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution critical of the country's rights record.

A police spokesman told the BBC that officers would now investigate Mr Silva's remarks.

'Break the limbs'

Mr Silva's comments also come amid an official campaign to denounce people described as traitors. Many of these include journalists and human rights activists.

Despite being involved in many controversial incidents over the years, Mervyn Silva is public relations minister.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17491832