NEPAL: IFJ LAUNCHES PETITION TO SUPPORT JOURNALISTS
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has launched a Nepal Crisis Signature Campaign to support journalists and free expression advocates in Nepal and to protest against state repression of the media.
IFJ aims to gather as many signatures as possible this month to present to the UN General Assembly, which meets in New York on 14-17 September 2005.
The petition is part of IFJ's efforts to ramp up international pressure on Nepalese authorities amidst a worsening human rights crisis in the country. On 30 August, IFJ's affiliates around the world will participate in a Global Day of Action for Press Freedom in Nepal.
Since a royal coup on 1 February, King Gyanendra and his hand-picked government have systematically and aggressively eroded press freedom and freedom of expression, says IFJ. Although a state of emergency was lifted in April, a climate of fear and harassment against Nepalese journalists continues to pervade, marked by threats, abductions, detention and torture.
Show your support for Nepalese journalists by signing the petition now: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/622930457
