`I respectfully urge that security detail and police guard provided for Athas be fully and immediately restored,’’ read the letter, addressed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

A US Embassy spokesman said he had not seen the letter and could not immediately confirm its authenticity.

Paris-based media rights watchdog group, Reporters Without Borders earlier raised concern about Athas’ safety, writing to ask European and U.S. embassies to help protect him.

Reporters Without Borders said in its letter, which was sent late last month that, “President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, will be held personally responsible by the journalist community for any harm on Iqbal Athas and his colleagues.’’

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