IFJ Denounces Party’s Attacks on Journalists in Nepal

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) calls on the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to end politically motivated violence against local media, after a photojournalist was assaulted as he reported on party-led protests in Kathmandu on May 9.

 

The Unified CPN (M), had earlier this year made a public statement to say the rights and safety of media personnel would be respected by its members and supporters during planned general strikes this month.

 

However, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), an IFJ affiliate, reports several incidents of targeted violence against journalists by Unified CPN (M) cadres across the country.

 

On May 10, Avenues Television cameraman Rabindra Shrestha and Associated News Agency photographer Prabin Maharjanwere reportedly beaten by a group of Maoist activists at a demonstration outside the Nepali Parliament. According to the FNJ, Shrestha was seriously injured after being hit with metal rods and sticks. His camera was also destroyed.

 

The FNJ expressed concern over speeches made by Unified CPN (M) leaders at a protest rally in Dhangadi in western Nepal on May 8, in which they accused journalists of slandering the Maoist movement and threatened retribution. The FNJ fears the comments encouraged the attack on Shrestha and other journalists.

 

On May 6 in Gogabu, in Nepal’s Central Region, journalist and cameraman Sri Krishna Phuyal was attacked by Maoist protesters despite identifying himself as a journalist.

 

During nationwide general protests onMay 5, Unified CPN (M) supporters reportedly attacked the assistant editor of Shikshak Monthly,Sudarshan Ghimire, in Kathmandu, according to the FNJ.

 

Purbanchal Daily correspondent Gyanendra Niraula and RSS Surkhet correspondent Kashi Ram Sharma were also reportedly attacked on the same day in Jhapa, a district in East Nepal, and Birendranagar, a district in West Nepal respectively.

 

Ramesh Chandra Adhikari, Dhankuta correspondent of the Kantipur daily, was threatened by Maoist cadres over a news item he published on the same day.

 

“Nepal’s authorities must take responsibility to ensure all people in Nepal, including those active in political parties, understand that journalists must be permitted to safely conduct independent reporting on all aspects of the political spectrum. This is a vital element in facilitating a peaceful democratic process,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

 

The IFJ urges the leaders of the Unified CPN (M) to adhere to their publicly stated commitment that the party will not obstruct media and journalists in the course of their political activities.

 

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

 

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide