Journalist attacked in Kalikot, Nepal

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in strongly criticizing the attack of a journalist in Kalikot in mid-western Nepal on October 6. The IFJ urges the Nepali authorities to immediately investigate the attack. Journalist Arjun Prasad Bhattarai, central council member of the FNJ, was attacked by three people while he was playing a game of carom in the district headquarters Manma on Friday. The district headquarters houses the police, courts and administration, and is a source of local news for journalists. Bhattarai sustained head injuries and has been taken to Kohalpur Medical College in Nepalgunj for primary treatment at the district hospital. The motive for the attack is yet to be determined.  FNJ General Secretary Ramesh Bista, in a statement, said: “The FNJ condemns the attack on a journalist who has the responsibility of informing citizens; and demands that the authorities to investigate and take action on the assailants to ensure a safe environment for journalists to work independently and fearlessly.”The IFJ said: "The IFJ call for an immediate and thorough investigation, and strongly criticises the brutal attack. Impunity in cases of crimes against journalists only works to increase the frequency of attacks and weakens press freedom.”

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