(FNJ/IFEX) – Journalists Hari Sharma and Tika Ram Gaire, secretary and past president of FNJ-Nawalparasi chapter, respectively, were threatened by cadres of the Madhesi Janatantrik Forum (MJF) on 4 February 2007 in Nawalparasi, a western district of Nepal. MJF cadres telephoned the journalists and threatened to break their legs for not reporting about the group. […]
(FNJ/IFEX) – Journalists Hari Sharma and Tika Ram Gaire, secretary and past president of FNJ-Nawalparasi chapter, respectively, were threatened by cadres of the Madhesi Janatantrik Forum (MJF) on 4 February 2007 in Nawalparasi, a western district of Nepal.
MJF cadres telephoned the journalists and threatened to break their legs for not reporting about the group.
According to Keshab Parajuli, president of FNJ-Nawalparasi chapter, when contacted, the MJF leaders denied that the threat came from their cadres.
In a separate incident, in Birgunj, an eastern city of Nepal, Mahesh Das, local correspondent of Avenues Television, was mistreated by Armed Police Force (APF) personnel on 4 February.
Das was reporting on a demonstration near the District Administration office when police, who were controlling the crowd, appeared to be on the verge of shooting at him. When Das revealed his identity, he was set upon by the police.
FNJ has condemned the incident and expressed its serious concern over the continuous attacks upon press freedom. FNJ also called upon all parties to commit to respecting freedom of the press and expression. It has urged the government to ensure the safety of journalists and to take immediate action against those responsible for attacks on the media.