Cc: Robert Shaw (E-mail); Aidan. White (E-mail); Chris Warren; Emma Walters; Lara Hook; Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ); Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ); National Union of Journalist Nepal; National Union of Journalists, Nepal; Nepal Press Union
Subject: FW: SAVE TARA NATH DAHAL IFJ CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE GLOBAL ACTION
Importance: High
Dear Colleagues,
We are calling on your urgent action to save Federation of Nepalese Journalists President, Tara Nath Dahal.
The IFJ has received reports that security forces are searching for him to place him under arrest.
The IFJ is extremely concerned over the safety of Tara Nath and is urging our affiliates and partners to act urgently to lobby the Nepalese King to respect Tara Nath's human rights.
We are calling on your immediate help to do the following;
- Ring the Nepali Embassy in your country
- Deliver protest letter to your Nepali Embassy
- Lobby you local foreign minister and national government
- Generate media coverage calling for the Nepalese Government to respect Tara Nath's human rights.
Tara Nath is one of the great fighters for press freedom. Right now he needs all our help.
In solidarity,
Christopher Warren
President
International Federation of Journalists
-----Original Message-----
From: IFJ-Asia
Sent: Friday, 4 February 2005 7:07 PM
To: IFJ-Asia
Subject: SAVE TARA NATH DAHAL IFJ CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE GLOBAL ACTION
FLASH: Nepal4 February 2005
SAVE TARA NATH DAHAL
IFJ CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE GLOBAL ACTION
The IFJ has received reliable information that security forces are searching for Federation of Nepalese Journalists President, Tara Nath Dahal to place him under arrest.
This morning at 7:30 am Nepal time plain clothes security forces went to Dahal's home to place him under immediate arrest, fortunately Dahal was not at home. The security forces returned at 10:am and are currently searching for him.
The IFJ has been informed that he is hiding in a secure place.
The IFJ is calling for immediate global action to aid our courageous Nepali colleague.
"Tara Nath Dahal is a courageous fighter for press freedom, " said IFJ President Christopher Warren. "He was one of the first to stand against the suspension of press freedom and democracy in the royal coup of February 1."
"The world journalists and press freedom community must put all pressure on the Nepal coup leaders to respect the human rights of Tara Nath Dahal and all Nepali journalists," he said.
For further information, please contact Christopher Warren on +61 411 757 668
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries
