The international media mission that visited Nepal from February 5 to 8
has said that press freedom in Nepal continues to face serious threat
despite the hope that restoration of democracy would improve the
situation.
The mission made public its assessment of the situation in Nepal by
organising a press conference at the end of the tour on Sunday, saying
that is was deeply worried over the attacks on media houses and
journalists. "Attacks on media workers, publications and property are
unacceptable. Those responsible must be held accountable for their
actions," the mission stated, "Any substantive grievances over work
conditions must be addressed through dialogue and negotiation."
The mission said that the ongoing attacks, threats and harassment of media
personnel and organisations are having a chilling effect on press freedom."Free and open debate is being undermined with journalists and media being
forced into self-censorship, seriously jeopardising he peace and
democratisation process currently underway in the country."
Citing 342 cases of attacks on media in the year 2008, the mission
concluded that critical reporting is being met with violence and
perpetrators are going unpunished. "The authorities are failing in their
duty to prevent, punish and redress the harm caused by such attacks. The
violation of journalists' rights is a direct infringement of the public
right to information," a release issued by the mission said urging the
government to implement its commitment to press freedom and freedom of
speech.
Meanwhile, the international media mission also showed concern over what
is called lack of due procedures in the cases against Rishi Damala,
president of Reporters Club, and three other journalists who have been
detained on charges of terror attacks and extortion. The mission's
statement, however, didn't clarify what procedures were lacking in their
cases.
During the visit, the international media mission had met with top
political leaders including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali
Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala and visited various districts to
assess the media situation. The mission comprised of 15 international
organisations including UN agencies. nepalnews.com Feb 08 09
