(CEHURDES/IFEX) – CEHURDES has raised its serious concern over the Nepalese government’s recently formed “Probe Committee” to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged “disappearance” of journalist Krishna Sen, under the direction of Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary Sushil Jung Bahadur Rana. CEHURDES does not believe that the commission, under its current structure, will be […]
(CEHURDES/IFEX) – CEHURDES has raised its serious concern over the Nepalese government’s recently formed “Probe Committee” to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged “disappearance” of journalist Krishna Sen, under the direction of Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary Sushil Jung Bahadur Rana.
CEHURDES does not believe that the commission, under its current structure, will be in a position to deliver an impartial report, as the Nepalese authorities currently categorically refuse to acknowledge Sen’s death. Several similar commissions launched in the past by the Nepalese authorities have submitted reports justifying government actions. CEHURDES demands that the concerned authorities immediately form an independent commission to investigate Sen’s death.
CEHURDES also urges the concerned United Nations agencies and international press freedom and human rights organisations to put pressure on the Nepalese government to establish the truth in this affair and punish the guilty parties.
Background Information
Sen, editor of “Jana Disha” daily and “Janadesh” weekly – both Nepali language publications said to be close to the underground Maoists – was taken into custody by the security forces on 20 May 2002. He reportedly died in police custody due to torture, probably in early June.
Further to the imposition of a “state of emergency” in Nepal on 26 November 2001, more than 100 journalists have been arrested in different parts of the country. More than two dozen journalists remain in detention. Some journalists were reportedly tortured both physically and psychologically. The whereabouts of several journalists remain unknown. There have been no reports of official charges or cases filed against any of the arrested journalists.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– noting that Sen’s death in police custody is a violation of international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
– requesting the formation of an independent and judicial commission to investigate Sen’s death in police custody
– expressing your concern over the ongoing government harassment of the press and the campaign to restrict press freedom and freedom of expression
– asking them to ensure that all arrested journalists who are currently in detention without charge receive a fair trial and all those detained in Nepal’s jails for exercising their right to freedom of expression are immediately released from prison
– calling for a free and fair news reporting environment that is respectful of journalists’ basic freedoms and human rights principles guaranteed by international instruments
– urging them to give journalists and human rights activists free access to affected areas so that they can issue impartial reports
Appeals To
Right Honourable Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba
Singh Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
c/o Permanent Representative to United Nations
Fax: +977 1 227286
E-mail: nepal@un.intHon. Khum Bahadur Khadka
Minister of Home Affairs
Singh Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Fax: +977 1 225156Hon. Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta
Minister of Information and Communications
Singh Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Fax: +977 1 221729Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
