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Journalist attacked by thugs in Nepal
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in condemning an attack on a journalist on Sunday, June 7.Thakur Gurung, the news editor of Radio Bihani in Dhading district, was attacked in Bansathali, Kathmandu by an unidentified group while he was returning from a program that he attended in the capacity of a journalist. He sustained serious injuries on his head, right hand and chest; and was rushed to the Janamaitri Hospital, where he is continuing to receive medical treatment.The FNJ General Secretary Ujir Magar said: “An attack on a journalist is an activity against the press freedom and freedom of expression.”The IFJ and the FNJ have called for an immediate investigation to locate the perpetrators and bring them justice.
The IFJ said: “Security of journalists is a big issue in Nepal to which the state has failed to deal with adequately. The IFJ has documented a deteriorating trend around journalists attacks and impunity and it is time the Nepalese government worked out a plan to ensure journalists’ safety and bring an end to impunity.”