The International Federation of Journalists is deeply disturbed by the reported death threats received by Damodar Bhandari, a correspondent for a leading English language newspaper, Annapurna Post, in the town of Nepalganj in the southern plains (the Terai) of Nepal.
The threat was reportedly delivered by e-mail on August 21 from the address of a person purporting to be acting on behalf of an underground political group: the Terai Janatantrik Party (Madesh).
Inquiries made with this person by the Federation of Nepali Journalists, an IFJ affiliate, elicited a denial and an assurance that he would ascertain the facts behind the incident. Such clarification is yet to be received. Damodar Bhandari has been in a state of shock since receiving the threat.
“We have been increasingly worried about the deteriorating security environment for journalists in Nepal despite all the hopes raised by the historic elections of 2008,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
“Particularly worrying are events in the Terai region, where powerful forces of regional autonomy have contributed to heightened tensions between ethnic groups.”
The IFJ calls upon the authorities in Nepalganj to take this matter with appropriate seriousness and ensure that Bhandari receives all necessary protection while investigations are underway.
“We commend the FNJ’s consistent stand in favour of free and ethical journalism and call upon the Nepali government and the divisional and district authorities in the Terai region to protect the right to freedom of expression.”
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 125 countries
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