The International Federation of Journalists has sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Nepal, voicing its concern over increasing violence and intimidation of journalists and calling for the brutal murder of journalist Gyanendra Khadka in Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal.
The IFJ have protested to the Government of Nepal in the following letter:
12 September 2003
Right Hon. Surya Bahadur Thapa
Prime Minister
Prime Minister’s Office
Singh Dubar
Kathmandu
Kingdom of Nepal
VIA FACSIMILE: 0015 977 1227 286
CC. Kamal Thapa.
Minister for Information and Communication
Your Excellency,
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is a global organisation of journalists, representing over 500 000 journalists worldwide. The IFJ wishes to express its deep concern over the latest increase of violence against journalists in Nepal.
Several recent events of particular concern include:
These events are in direct conflict with international codes protecting the rights of journalists and also contravene Articles 12, 13 and 16 of the Kingdom of Nepal’s own constitution.
The IFJ condemns the use of legal provisions such as the Public Security Act or the State Offence against Crime and Punishment Act, as excuses for what are clear violations of national and international conventions on freedom of expression, freedom of movement and the right to peaceful assembly.
The IFJ calls on the Nepalese Government to respect the principles of freedom of expression and the right of freedom of movement for journalists, and cease activities that infringe on these rights. Peace, justice and the proper functioning of a democracy can only occur when the press is able to report news, free from obstruction and violent intervention.
Yours sincerely,
Christopher Warren
President, IFJ
Recommended action:
Send appeals:
Appeals:
Right Hon. Surya Bahadur Thapa
Prime Minister
Prime Minister’s Office
Singh Dubar
Kathmandu
Kingdom of Nepal
VIA FACSIMILE: 0015 977 1227 286
Please copy appeals to the IFJ Asia Office at ifj-asia@alliance.org.au