Editor of Newspaper Threatened In Nepal

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is concerned at reports that the chief editor of Nayen weekly was threatened by Maoist cadres on March 4 for an editorial about the relationship between crime and politics.

According to the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), an IFJ affiliate, Nawaraj Pathik was allegedly threatened by Maoist cadres after he was pulled into their office in Manthali in the eastern region of Nepal.

The assailants reportedly questioned Pathik on the accuracy of an editorial published on March 2 regarding and threatened physical violence if he did not prove allegations against Maoist cadres within two days.

“The threat of violence is not an acceptable way to seek clarification or challenge information published in newspapers,” said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.

“Freedom of expression allows for many voices to be heard on the same issue. Acts of violence not only hinder press freedom but encourage a culture of fear and silence which benefits no one.”

The IFJ joins the FNJ in urging all political and militant groups in the current volatile climate in Nepal to understand that the right to information and freedom of expression are necessary elements of any democracy.