Tamil Tiger satellite signals hit

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Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka can no longer broadcast directly to Europe and Asia after their television signals were taken off a satellite.

Satellite operator Intelsat blocked rebel broadcasts at the weekend.

The company has said the transmissions were "unauthorised" and it "does not tolerate terrorists or others operating illegally on its satellites".

Last week, the rebels denied "signal piracy", saying they were accessing the satellite legally.

'Blow'

Members of the Tamil diaspora in the United Kingdom confirm being unable to receive direct Tamil Tiger television broadcasts for the past three days.

Some rebel programming is still accessible indirectly via other channels, they say.

The rebels, who are fighting for independence for minority Tamils in north and east Sri Lanka, are proscribed in a number of countries.

Correspondents say Intelsat's move hampers the rebels' ability to reach diaspora Tamils and is a blow to the prestige of running their own television station.

The rebel television station is seen as an important tool for them to communicate with their supporters.