Journalists attacked by political gang in Nepal

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in condemning the attack on a journalist in Sindhupalchowk district on November 25. The IFJ demands arrest and legal action on the perpetrators. Dinesh Thapa, the FNJ Sindhupalchowk district chapter secretary and local correspondent of OnlineKhabar.com was attacked at his home by a gang led by a cadre of a political group on the eve of first phase of the general election. Thapa sustained injuries on his chest and back. FNJ Secretary Rem Bahadur Biswokarma in a statement, said: “An attack on a journalist is an attack on press freedom. The FNJ demands investigation into the incident to punish the culprits and to ensure a safe environment to practice independent journalism.”The IFJ said: "The IFJ condemns the attack on journalist Dinesh Thapa in Nepal and urges the authorities to immediately arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. Attacks on journalists on any pretext, especially at the critical time of general election, is a threat to democracy; the government should create an environment where journalists can report without fear.”

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