Journalist investigating illegal sand-mining attacked in Nepal

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in condemning the attack on journalist Sudip Kaini in Gorkha district of Nepal on January 15. The IFJ demands an investigation into the incident and the punishment of the attackers. A group of five assailants attacked Kaini, a correspondent of Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post dailies at Abu Khaireni while he was reporting on the illegal sand extraction in the Marsyangdi river that endangered local settlements. The assailants manhandled the reporter, snatched away his camera and cellphone, and deleted photos threatening him not to reveal the incident. Kaini sustained a neck injury and was rescued by local residents. The police is investigating the case and has arrested five of the attackers. FNJ General Secretary Ramesh Bista said in a statement: “Attack on a journalist who is on areporting assignment is an attack on the legal rights of a journalist to freely report and disseminate the news. The FNJ demands punishment for the attackers.” IFJ President Philippe Leruth said: "The IFJ condemns the attack on journalist Sudip Kaini and urges Nepali authorities to punish the attackers. Attack on journalists during assignment is a violation of press freedom and journalists’ rights. Nepali authorities should do their utmost to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future."