IFJ Protests Against Arrests and Detention of Journalists in Nepal

The International Federation of Journalists has sent a letter of protest to the Prime Minister of Nepal, voicing its concern over the disappearance and possible arrest of Dhana Bahadur Magar, Central Council member and secretary of the Free and Open Press Kathmandu section. The IFJ is demanding that the Government of Nepal release details of all journalists currently under arrest in Nepal and ensure the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and right to a free and open are maintained.

The IFJ have protested to the Government of Nepal in the following letter:

26 November 2003

Honorable Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa
Prime Minister of Nepal
Prime Minister’s Office
Singh Dubar
Kathmandu
Kingdom of Nepal
Fax: 9771226286, 9771227765
email: [email protected]

Honorable Ananat Raj Pandey
Secretary of the Home Ministry
Fax: 9771228166,
email: [email protected]

Mr. Nayan Bahadur Khatri
Chairman, Nepal Human Right Commission
Fax: 9771547973
Email: [email protected]
Dear Excellency,

<P align="justify"The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the world’s largest journalists’ organisation representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is deeply concerned over the disappearance of Dhana Bahadur Magar, Central Council member and secretary of the Free and Open Press’s Kathmandu section.

According to FNJ Kathmandu section President, Hari Lamsal, Magar was last seen on 18 November 203 at approximately 3:15pm, shopping. His whereabouts remains unknown.

The current fear is that Magar was taken into custody by Security force personnel. Magar was previously detained by for four months in 2002 for allegedly being involved with the Communist Party of Nepal. (CPN-Maoist).

The IFJ strongly condemns the use of intimidation and threats of violence by the Security Forces in an attempt to censor journalists and demands that Security Forces respect the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly the right to a free press.

The IFJ calls on the Government of Nepal to launch a full investigation into the disappearance of Magar, with all details of his disappearance disclosed to the public and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice

The IFJ strongly urges the Government of Nepal to disclose the details of all journalists who are currently in detention.

The IFJ asks the government of Nepal to express its commitment to press freedom and to ensure the safety of all journalists in Nepal.

Yours sincerely,



Christopher Warren
President, IFJ


Recommended action:

Send appeals:

  • Expressing concern over the disappearance of Dhana Bahadur Magar
  • Calling for an investigation into the disappearance of Dhana Bahdur Magar
  • Condemning the arrest of all journalists by the Security Forces Personnel
  • Urging the Government of Nepal to disclose all details of journalists currently I detention
  • Urging the Government to ensure the safety of all journalists working in Nepal.

    Appeals:

    Honorable Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa
    Prime Minister of Nepal
    Prime Minister’s Office
    Singh Dubar
    Kathmandu
    Kingdom of Nepal
    Fax: 9771226286, 9771227765
    email: [email protected]


    Please copy appeals to the IFJ Asia Office at [email protected]