(CEHURDES/IFEX) – On 17 April 2004, the security forces arrested nearly 200 journalists from different locations in Kathmandu. They were held at several detention centres and released the same day, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (local time). The journalists were protesting the 16 April detention of 74 journalists, who were arrested while reporting on […]
(CEHURDES/IFEX) – On 17 April 2004, the security forces arrested nearly 200 journalists from different locations in Kathmandu. They were held at several detention centres and released the same day, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (local time).
The journalists were protesting the 16 April detention of 74 journalists, who were arrested while reporting on a protest organised by the five main political parties (see IFEX alert of 16 April 2004). Of those arrested on 16 April, two were beaten following their arrest and released on the morning of 17 April.
CEHURDES condemns the journalists’ arrests and urges the authorities to ensure that journalists can safely carry out their duties. The organisation calls on the authorities to ensure that journalists can work in an environment that is conducive to independent news reporting and that the fundamental rights of journalists, free expression activists and other citizens are respected.
