Yadav Poudel died after succumbing to multiple injuries resulting from sharp weapons.
UPDATE: Accused in journalist’s murder sent to custody (Freedom Forum, 10 May 2012)
(FNJ/IFEX) – The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) is deeply concerned and shocked by the brutal murder of journalist Yadav Poudel in Birtamod, Jhapa, eastern Nepal, on Wednesday 4 April 2012.
FNJ strongly condemns the murder and demands immediate action against the culprits.
Poudel, 38, was an executive editor of the “Mechi Times” regional daily and covered eastern Nepal for the Kathmandu-based Avenues Television station and the “Rajdhani” national daily. He was found murdered in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Preliminary investigations suggest that he succumbed to multiple injuries caused by sharp weapons at around 12:30 am.
FNJ expresses condolences to the family of the slain journalist. Poudel is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.
An emergency meeting of the central committee formed a seven-member fact finding mission team to study the incident, under FNJ President Shiva Gaunle. The mission will also include advisor Poshan KC, secretary Jagat Nepal, central committee member Mohan Kaji, Jhapa district president Ganesh Pokhrel, past district president Govinda Chandra Chhetri and past district secretary Taramani Sapkota. The team will travel to eastern Nepal and talk to state bodies to ensure a timely investigation is held and the culprits are put behind bars.
“This incident points to the continual physical insecurity for journalists,” FNJ President Shiva Gaunle commented. “Despite commitments from leaders of political parties and the Home Minister during the International Media Mission in February, the murder shows that the state is not serious about its commitments.”
MORE INFORMATION:
Journalist’s murder prompted by personal dispute, according to police (Freedom Forum, 12 April 2012)
