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
Find the
IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific