The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in condemning the serious assault of a newspaper editor in the mid-western region of Nepal on September 13.
The FNJ reports that Nepali Express Daily Editor, Shiva Dotel was manhandled and attacked by a police team led by Sub Inspector of Nepali Police, Batti Kumar Pokhrel, near Tribhuwanchowk of Nepalgunj, in Banke on September 13.
Dotel was reportedly attacked for no apparent reason on the way to his office. He sustained serious head injuries requiring seven stitches after medical treatment at Bheri Regional Hospital.
The FNJ said the incident pointed to the increasingly dangerous situation for Nepal’s journalists.
“Such violent attacks on journalists are completely unacceptable and are particularly alarming when made by an authority charged with upholding the laws of the country and protecting individuals from such harm,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
According to reports, the Banke District Police Office has now initiated action against those involved in the attack, including Sub Inspector of Nepali Police, Batti Kumar Pokhrel.
The IFJ welcomes the initiation of action, but calls on the authorities of Nepal to ensure that they immediately proceed with a full independent investigation into the attack.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0918
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries
Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific
Find the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific