The Federation of Nepalese Journalists, an umbrella organization of all working journalists of the country has described the one year of direct rule of the King as a black period for Nepali media.
A report prepared by the FNJ, evaluating the situation of press freedom from February 1, 2005 to February 1, 2006 said that more than 400 journalists were arrested and released during the period and some 240 newspapers faced various censorships during the period.
“The independent radio of the country had to face various legal and physical attack during the period,” the report said.
The report further said that seven journalists are still in detention for disseminating information which was not in the favour of authority.
The report said that the government is creating various obstacles to the independent media of the country. The report expressed grave concern over the government’s bid to implement one window policy for the distribution of welfare advertisement to newspapers.
The FNJ also informed that it will publicize detailed report of the period on May 3, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
A report publicized by the International Federation of Journalist the global organization of journalists entitled, ‘Nepal One Year On Censorship, Crackdown and Courage’ said, “Though the state of emergency declared by King Gyanendra immediately after the royal takeover was lifted on April 20, 2005 the fundamental rights were not restored.”
“The Nepalese media is still prevented from operating with the same freedoms that existed before King Gyanendra’s Royal Proclamation, and in some cases the curbs imposed on press and political activity have been strengthened.
Additionally, Freedom of Expression has been severely limited due to the intimidation and harassment,” the report adds.
“Media practioners and freedom of expression advocates across the country continue to ‘disappear’ or be detained and imprisoned for the free expression of their opinion,” the report adds.
The report also expressed concern over the media ordinance and ban on broadcast of news from FM stations.
The global media watchdog has said that one year from the February 1, 2005 royal coup, despite valiant efforts of Nepalese Journalists, international bodies and human rights organizations, the situation in Nepal had not improved.
The IFJ also urged all affiliated to participate in the campaign to restore press freedom and freedom of expression to Nepal. “We particularly urge affiliated to lobby their governments, protest to their Nepalese Embassy and petition the Nepalese government to demand restoration of democracy in Nepal,” the report adds.
Speaking at the report release and the national conference on attacks in Nepali media post February 1 and future strategy, IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said, “The routine arrest and detention of human rights activists and journalists and the widespread denial of rights kills any confidence people may have in the faltering process.”
“Secrecy, Censorship and intimidation do not lead to peace. They only create more fear, ignorance and insecurity,” he added.
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal Ian Martin in his message said, “The ability of journalists and the media to operate freely, without fear or coercion is a critical element to freedom of expression,” adding, “If the media is intimated, closed down or its members are targeted by either side to a conflict because their message is not popular, then the right to freedom of expression is endangered.”
He further said that in Nepal journalists and media workers continue to be subject to intimidation and harassment.
Senior journalists said that Nepalese media sector has been passing through a very difficult turn of the history following the February 1 royal takeover of last year.
Speaking at the same programme, journalists working outside the valley demanded to ensure their safety in the working place saying they were facing threats from both the government and the Maoists.