Some media persons were thrashed during the demonstration organised by the UCPN (Maoist) in Kathmandu on May 9. In this regard, Nepalnews asks media persons, mainly the photojournalists, what should be done to protect the press freedom?

Monday, 10 May 2010 20:14 Read this : 4477 times

Firstly, the government must fulfill its commitment to protect press freedom by taking action against the violators. Likewise, every political party and their affiliate organisations should show commitment. Parties must direct their cadres not to attack media persons.

Kaushal Adhikari, photojournalist, Kantipur Dainik

I think press freedom will continue to be challenged in our country. The problem is the government or other parties may not be happy with your coverage, so we become their target. First of all the government should remain committed to press freedom.

Sunil Pradhan, photojournalist, Karobar Dainik.

Firstly, we media sector should remain free from politics. Media persons like us shouldn't be influenced by any political ideology. We must do our work in balanced way. Media persons are being targeted mainly by the cadres of political parties, so it is the parties which should respect the press freedom.

Dwarika Kafle, photojournalist, Aarthik Abhiyan Dainik

I don't suppose we can have complete press freedom in our country. To protect the press freedom, the culture of impunity must be come to an end and the government and the parties must implement their commitments. Journalists are attacked mostly by agitating political activists and security personnel

Shreedhar Poudel, Naya Patrika Dainik.

I think the media community must be able to put pressure on to protect the press freedom. There should be tougher laws to discourage attacks on media outlets and journalists. In the present context, especially the Unified CPN (Maoist) must learn how to behave with the media.

Debaki Bista, Photo Journalist, Yo Sata weekly

In my opinion, all political parties and the government must realise our contribution during the Jana Andolan-II. Any party that engages in deliberate attacks on press will ultimately lose crucial support from the fourth estate. So I think it is the responsibility of the government and the political parties to protect press freedom in Nepal.

Pradip Onta, freelance Photojournalist