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Over the quarter of a century of its civil war, media freedom in Sri Lanka came under severe strain. Journalists were murdered, others prosecuted, in a climate that stifled independent reporting or comment. And even though the war is now over, journalists continue to work under severe constraints, particularly in the run-up to the presidential election due on 26 January.

The case of J S Tissainayagam mentioned in the Caseload column illustrates the difficulties faced by journalists. Tissainayagam, a Tamil, was editor of the now defunct North Eastern Monthly magazine during the war between Sri Lanka government forces and the Tamil Tiger secessionists. After writing articles criticising the army's treatment of civilians, he was accused under anti-terrorist laws of fomenting ethnic discord with false reports and raising money for his magazine to further terrorist objectives.

The laws concerned provide harsh punishment for vaguely-defined offences such as causing "disharmony" or "feelings of ill-will", and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The case against him included an alleged confession, though he has repeatedly said he is innocent and that the confession was extracted under duress. He has now been released on bail after serving two years of his sentence, pending an appeal to a higher court which the MLDI is supporting.

Mr Tissainayagam's case has attracted widespread attention. Amnesty International adopted him as a prisoner of conscience and last year President Obama singled him out as an example of persecuted journalists throughout the world. But his experience is not exceptional. Recently a reporter for the BBC's Sinhala-language service was reportedly hospitalised after being beaten by a mob while covering an election event. Her assailants are said to have been associated with the agriculture minister, who is also secretary-general of the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Once known for its relaxed media environment, Sri Lanka has become a byword for intolerance of journalists doing what in other countries would simply be seen as their job. In a recent report the Committee to Protect Journalists ranked the country, where 12 journalists have been killed since the incumbent President Rajapaksa came to power with no convictions for their murder, the fourth-worst in the world in terms of attacks on journalists.

Sri Lanka, of course, is far from alone as far as mistreatment of journalists goes, and the violence is not one-sided. But as it enters a new phase in its political life it is time to hope its leading figures, on all sides, will determine to shake off the ugly reputation it has gained in its recent history.

Every three months we shall be reporting in this review on our activities, telling stories, celebrating triumphs and examining problems. But we also need feedback, so please send comments about what we write to: editor@mediadefence.org