Journalists attacked during political protests in Nepal

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in condemning the incidents of attack on journalists during the political protest on February 22 in southern Nepal. The IFJ urges the Nepali government to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attacks. Shital Sah, the former treasurer of FNJ who runs the local Radio Janakpur in Dhanusa district, was attacked near the station when he was on his way home. He sustained an injury on his head and needed treatment. Sah said: “The political cadres attacked me while the police stood mute spectators. I was attacked because I didn’t write what they wanted me to write.” Suresh Yadav of Nagarik daily was also harassed in the same incident. Similarly, cameraperson Surendra Kumar Kamati of Mountain TV was subjected to harassment by the police for taking photographs of the policemen during the protest in Siraha. FNJ General Secretary Ujir Magar in a statement said: “The FNJ condemns the attack on Sah and Yadav and inaction of the local authority in arresting the attackers. Such attacks and harassment of journalists on duty are violations of press freedom and the FNJ urges the government to take immediate action against the violators.”                                                                                         The IFJ said: “The IFJ condemns attacks on journalists during political protests in Nepal and notes that it has become a trend in recent years to attack and harass journalists covering political protests. The IFJ urges the Nepal government to end impunity by taking action against the attackers and ensuring the protection of journalists covering political events.”

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0946 

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries

Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific

Find the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific