The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed concern over continued attacks on journalists in Nepal and has urged the Nepal government to “increase protection for media workers”.

In a statement issued Monday IFJ Asia Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said, “Journalists face challenges from various fronts in Nepal. A concerted effort is needed to encourage freedom of expression in the country so that members of the press can report without fear of violence.”

The IFJ call was made following media reports about attacks on journalists and their property.

Gyanendra Khadka, a reporter of Nepal Samachar Patra daily and vice president of FNJ’s Bhojpur chapter, was attacked by a group of about Armed Police Force personnel on the evening of July 10 in Bhojpur while a Kantipur Publications van was stopped and set ablaze near Banke River in an area bordering the eastern districts of Sarlahi and Mahottari, at around 2pm on July 11.

The IFJ, an organisation representing over 600,000 journalists in 114 countries, has condemned these attacks and is demanding the Nepalese government to prevent further violence against the media.

“Immediate attention should be given to the Nepalese media, who are constantly being threatened from both authoritative and vigilante groups on a daily basis,” Park said, adding “a truly democratic Nepal cannot be achieved until the government puts an end to this type of violence.”