(CEHURDES/IFEX) – CEHURDES has condemned the threats made against four journalists in eastern Nepal. According to the state-owned National News Agency (RSS), a group of over one hundred people in Ilam district, led by a former vice chairman of the Shantipur village development committee (VDC), threatened four journalists – Indra Kumar Bhattarai, Keshar Ghimire, Padma […]
(CEHURDES/IFEX) – CEHURDES has condemned the threats made against four journalists in eastern Nepal. According to the state-owned National News Agency (RSS), a group of over one hundred people in Ilam district, led by a former vice chairman of the Shantipur village development committee (VDC), threatened four journalists – Indra Kumar Bhattarai, Keshar Ghimire, Padma Bilas Adhikari and Ganesh Dhungana – with death during the week of 14 August 2006.
All four journalists are affiliated with “Sunkhari Sandesh”, a paper published in Shantipur VDC.
The group was angry with cartoons published in the paper on the occasion of ‘Gai Jatra’, which took place on August 10, an event that highlights various irregularities at the local level. In what may be seen as a typical Nepali tradition – media are allowed to criticise, satirise or publish cartoons during ‘Gai Jatra’ – also known as the Cow Festival – highlighting wrongdoings of the rulers of the day. This event was even observed during the authoritarian Panchayat regime and the erstwhile royal regime. The tradition continues on even after the restoration of democracy.
All four journalists have filed a joint petition at the Ilam District Administration Office, citing threats to their lives and asking the local authorities to ensure their safety.
CEHURDES condemns the act of threatening journalists just for publishing cartoons, particularly on the occasion of ‘Gai Jatra.’ It is an example of extreme intolerance, on the part of local political activists and their followers, against media and media personnel. CEHURDES calls upon the local authorities to investigate the incident, bring the guilty to justice and ensure the safety of all four journalists.
We would like to renew our call to all sides not to target or intimidate journalists under any pretext.
