Press freedom abuses growing despite peace agreement: IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has said it is dismayed by incidents of abuse of press freedom taking place in Nepal only a few days after the signing of a landmark peace accord.

“Although the signing of the peace accord is a huge achievement, the progress on paper must be matched with real improvements on the ground,” IFJ President Christopher Warren said in a statement on Thursday.

Citing recent incidents including the attack on a Kantipur Publication vehicle by a group posed as Maoists, abolishment of a TV programme 'Sarbajanik Sunuwai' (public hearing) on the Citizenship Bill by the state-run Nepal Television and manhandling of a Kathmandu Post reporter, Dharma Poudel, in Taplejung by some 50 local youths, the international media rights body pointed out that safety of journalists is not yet guaranteed.

“The fact that 50 youths can attack a single journalist is a terrifying and appalling incident and cannot go unpunished,” Warren said, adding, “The censorship and cancellation of a television program further indicates we can not become complacent, but do everything in our power to ensure a free and independent media for a peaceful Nepal.” nepalnews.com mk Dec 07 06

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