US, UK and NBA express concern over disruption in THT/AP and Radio HBC
British and the US embassies in Kathmandu have expressed serious concern over the disruption of publication of The Himalayan Times (THT) and the Annapurna Post (AP).
"Intimidation against free media undermines democracy by suppressing free speech. Maoist union-affiliated activities against these newspapers directly contradict claims by their leaders to support democracy and free media. The freedom of speech is critical to the holding of free and fair elections in November," a statement by the US embassy stated on Tuesday.
Similarly, the British embassy stated that 'free media are the life-blood of healthy democracy and media houses must be allowed to function without intimidation and interference."
The statement added the industrial dispute should be peacefully resolved through normal dispute resolution mechanism, not by forcibly preventing production or distribution. "This harms democracy by denying people the right to information. UK urges all involved to behave responsibly," it adds.
In the meantime, Nepal Bar Association (NBA) on Tuesday condemned the attack on free press from various sectors.
The national body of lawyers termed the current disruption on newspapers and FM stations as a threat on independent press, which is in gross violation of people's right to information guaranteed by the Interim Constitution.
In a statement, NBA said, "NBA calls all concerned not to interfere in the freedom of press and wants to draw attention of the government to create a positive environment for the media to work freely." nepalnews.com ia Aug 15 07
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