In Nepal, journalists kidnapped and threatened
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed grave concerns for the future of media independence in Nepal, after the abduction of yet another Nepalese journalist, and the suspension of a newspaper publication.
“With constant kidnappings and evident repression of the media in Nepal, we urge the government to step forward and resolve these dilemmas”, IFJ Asia Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
Nepalese journalist kidnapped
According to IFJ affiliate the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), district member of Press Chautari and editor of Khulamanch Weekly, Hridayaraj Gautam, was abducted on June 20.
The FNJ reports Gautam was at home celebrating the birth of his new born child, when two armed assailants arrived on motorbikes and forced him out of his house.
He has not been seen since.
Newspaper publication halted
Kamana Prakashan Samuha (P) Ltd decided to halt publication of daily Nepal Samacharpatra on June 19, and the evening newspaper Mahanagar for a few days from June 20, after newspaper hawkers, reportedly allied with Customer’s Solution Pvt. Ltd, applied severe pressure on the publications, according to the FNJ.
The FNJ reports that the group of hawkers stopped the company from publishing the evening edition of Mahanagar on June 19, and the same group had been trying to obstruct work for the past six weeks, demanding that management register a Maoist-aligned All Nepal Communication, Press and Publications Trade Union, report IFJ affiliates FNJ.
“We strongly oppose these violent and illegal measures taken to disrupt a free media in Nepal,” Park said.
“It is disturbing that despite political concessions to protect press freedom, other groups are still interfering, often violently, with independent media and compromising journalists’ safety,” she said.
“The IFJ demands a swift and thorough investigation into the disappearance of Gautam to see he is returned safe and sound.”
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 115 countries
Attacks on Journalists in Nepal Continue in Election Lead-Up
Nepal: IFJ condemns detention of 25 journalists
Attacks on Media Condemned as Nepal Prepares for Historic Election
Reds seek activation of NPA hit squads in cities After Ampatuan Massacre, 2009 a Record Year for Journalist Killings Worldwide CHR to military: Respect and protect human rights during martial law in Maguindanao Maguindanao, its political elite and a culture subservient to corruption U.S. Must Improve Responsiveness to Mass Atrocities; Absent UN Action, Make Clear Willingness to Act on Its Own, Says New CFR Report Martial law dilutes the Philippines’s human rights and democratic gains Martial law in Maguindanao sets ‘most dangerous precedent’ Lawyers will wear black armbands, ribbons in courts Law group shall file plunder cases against President Arroyo et al. UN Experts: Maguindanao massacre must be the start of a major reform process
Arroyo’s oil-price control a publicity stunt, cries Ibon Political Bloodbath Continues: Widow of Slain Activist Shot Dead New Wave of Protests Against Charter Change Set in April Comelec’s Automation to Worsen Election Fraud — Watchdog 2008: Another Bad Year for the Philippine Press ‘Unemployment Figures Wrong; Number of Jobless Higher’ ‘Nicole Is Not the Enemy’ ‘Nicole’: ‘My Conscience Bothers Me’ Is the Call Center Industry a Bright Spot for New Graduates? 6 Great Ways to Vent Your Frustrations Eating Dirt Is Actually Good For Children Australia Offers 150 Scholarship Slots for Philippines, Asia-Pacific mamert dolera: The horrible maguindanao massacre displays the “crueltiest 221; act of political warlordism... Don Untalan: I am also interested to buy (AROD) and the tall hybreed variety. Pls advice where to buy from Manila,... scott: Sports and politics do not mix. But the economy of the Philippines relies on Pacqiao. How much money would a... Bernadine Ebo: nov.11,2009 4:45 my husband and i wants to adopt