IFJ welcomes release of three journalists and calls for an end to attacks against Nepali journalists
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing more than 500,000 journalists in over 110 countries, has welcomed the release of three journalists but urges the Maoist and government forces to cease attacks on journalists in Nepal.
On August 30, three Nepali journalists were freed after being held for four days by Maoist rebels.
Local correspondent for the Samacharpatra daily, Tikaram Neti, and associate editors of the Purbanchal and Bibechana dailies, Subrat Neupane and Madan Kharel, were abducted while reporting in Khudunabari in the Jhapa district on August 25.
"The safe release of these journalists is a welcome relief. Maoist forces should respect Nepali journalists and make a genuine commitment to stop targeting journalists," said IFJ President Christopher Warren.
"All journalists being held by Maoist and government forces must be released immediately and the rights of journalists upheld," said the IFJ President.
"The kidnapping and detention of journalists in a bid to control the media and threaten the independence of the press is unacceptable. Journalists must be able to work without fear for their safety," said Warren.
In another incident on August 25, police in Parbat beat Kantipur Daily journalist, Lal Prasad Sharma, while he reported on the seven party agitation program. Police also seized the camera and destroyed the film of Nepal Samacharpatra daily reporter, Durga Sharma.
The IFJ is deeply concerned for journalists in Nepal who are regularly subject to arbitrary arrests, beatings, torture and intimidation while carrying out their work.
Members of the Nepali media and international community demanded the reinstatement of press freedom and protection of journalists during the Global Day of Action for Press Freedom in Nepal yesterday.
For more information on the Global Day of Action for Press Freedom in Nepal, please visit:
http://www.ifj-asia.org/page/nepalcrisis.html
For further information contact Christopher Warren on +61 (0) 411 757 668.
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries
