Today, Explained After the smoke clears
Apr 30, 2019
Amarnath Amarasingam, a senior research fellow specializing in extremism, joins Sri Lankan reporter Roel Raymond to dissect the aftermath of the Easter attacks in Sri Lanka. They discuss the emotional toll on victims and reporters, while highlighting how a radical figure's transformation impacted society. The duo emphasizes the delicate balance in fighting extremism without infringing on human rights and the need for community solidarity amidst rising tensions. Their insights underscore the importance of inclusive policies and national dialogue in addressing these issues.
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Tragedy at Shangri-La
- The host's aunt messaged her about a friend whose aunt and daughter died in the Shangri-La hotel bombing.
- The family was at an Easter buffet; the aunt and daughter died while getting dessert.
Reporter's Experience
- Roel Raymond, a reporter, describes the emotional toll of covering the attacks and the struggle to process the tragedy amidst reporting.
- Social media and VPNs helped Sri Lankans understand the attacks despite limited government information.
Mastermind Identified
- Zahran Hashim, leader of National Thawid Jamaat, is identified as the mastermind, with family involvement.
- Hashim, a charismatic speaker, preached extremist ideology online after being expelled from a madrasa and his own group.