The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has deplored the continued attacks and harassment that are plaguing media workers in Nepal.

In a press release issued Friday, IFJ president Christopher Warren said, “The fact that there are several reports every week of further intimidation [against journalists] is definite cause for alarm.”

The release highlights three reports of journalists (including rights activists) being detained, harassed, issued death threats and even attacked by an ‘inebriated’ police officer.

“Media and humanitarian workers in Nepal should be applauded for their continuing fight against harassment and disturbances and their courage in such difficult circumstances,” Warren said in the release and urged the global community to band together to force the Nepali government to crack down on violators of press freedom.

“Without freedom of expression, no country can really call itself a democracy,” he said in the statement, adding, “Journalists in Nepal deserve to be able to do their jobs without fearing for their very lives.”