Chennai, Nov 12: Incarcerated MDMK general secretary Vaiko, MP, today wanted Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to rescind the state assembly resolution sentencing five journalists of 'The Hindu' and the editor of DMK party organ 'Murasoli' to 15 days simple imprisonment in a breach of privilege case. Talking to newspersons after staging a lightning demonstration in the pota court premises, he said the state government should withdraw the assembly resolution immediately without waiting for the three weeks time granted by the Supreme Court while staying the execution of the arrest warrants issued by the house.
He hailed the apex court verdict as a ''victory for the freedom of the press, victory for democratic progressive forces and victory for justice from the abominable and audacious offensive launched by the Jayalalithaa government to destroy press freedom.''
Vaiko said the apex court order was also a victory for the entire press and the politifcal parties which unitedly opposed the state government action and came together in this hour of crisis.
''The entire press has risen as one man and stood by 'The Hindu' and 'Murasoli' in the wake of the offensive launched by the government against the freedom of the press.
Bureau Report