(CEHURDES/IFEX) – On 11 April 2004, the security forces released 50 journalists after detaining them for two hours in Kathmandu. The journalists were taking part in a protest against the 8 April renewal of the government’s prohibition of public assemblies of more than five people. On 6 April, journalist Demling Lama received a threatening telephone […]
(CEHURDES/IFEX) – On 11 April 2004, the security forces released 50 journalists after detaining them for two hours in Kathmandu. The journalists were taking part in a protest against the 8 April renewal of the government’s prohibition of public assemblies of more than five people.
On 6 April, journalist Demling Lama received a threatening telephone call from Chief District Officer Rudranath Basyal, in the Sindupalchowk district, north of Kathmandu. Basyal allegedly threatened the journalist for broadcasting news reports on HBC FM radio station regarding the resignation of a Nepal Police official due to pressure from the District Security Committee. Lama is associated with the Himalayan Broadcasting Corporation’s HBC FM. In April 2002, the journalist was abducted by Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels. He managed to escape after being tortured (see IFEX alerts of 11 and 9 April 2002).
On 10 April, six unidentified assailants attacked Krishna Lamsal, managing editor of the weekly “Rastriya Janamancha”, at his residence in Bhaktapur. According to editor Indra Rijal, Lamsal sustained injuries to the head and his right leg was fractured.
On 6 April, Ram Chandra Basnet, of the weekly “Sanghu”, was beaten by a Nepal Police official in Kathmandu.
CEHURDES condemns the arrests, mistreatment and assaults on journalists and urges the security forces and authorities to respect the fundamental rights of journalists and other citizens.
