Mass arrests and violence against journalists continues in Nepal: IFJ

April 19, 2006
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The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed concern over the continuing mass arrests and violence being directed towards the media in Nepal and reiterated its calls for the authorities to respect the independent role of the media and to desist in targeting the media.

“The situation continues to remain perilous for journalists in Nepal with daily news of journalists being arrested; beaten and targeted,” the international media watchdog said, adding, “In addition, the Nepalese government has reintroduced the media ordinance with its restrictive controls on the media.”

“The continued harassment of journalists and the media in Nepal is out of step with international human rights standards,'” a statement of IFJ quoted IFJ president Christopher Warren as saying.

“We are calling on the king and the authorities in Nepal to respect the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and immediately desist in using violence and intimidation to silence the media in Nepal,” said Warren.

On April 16, 20 journalists were arrested from Bhotahiti, Kathmandu and have been given a 90-day detention order under the Public Security Act 1990 for participating in a protest rally against the unfair treatment of journalists on April 14, the IFJ said.

The IFJ also called for the immediate release of all journalists and media workers currently being held in custody, in particular those who have been charged with a 90-day prosecution order. nepalnews.com pb Apr 19 06