(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is protesting the imprisonment of two Nepali journalists. According to our sources, four months ago, Yadu Lamichhane, editor of the political monthly “Himalayan Journal”, was arrested by police on the charge of “being Maoist”. The Supreme Court of Nepal ordered his release after failing to find him guilty of any offence. However, […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is protesting the imprisonment of two Nepali journalists.
According to our sources, four months ago, Yadu Lamichhane, editor of the
political monthly “Himalayan Journal”, was arrested by police on the charge
of “being Maoist”. The Supreme Court of Nepal ordered his release after
failing to find him guilty of any offence. However, just after he was freed,
he was again arrested on 25 November 1998 and jailed at Bhadragol prison in
Katmandu. He is still imprisoned.
On 15 December, Rishiraj Baral, editor-in-chief of the weekly “Yojana”, was
arrested on the same charge in view of the forthcoming general strike on 17
December. The journalist had already been arrested and jailed between 14 and
23 November for “diffusing propaganda that creates chaos in society.” After
he covered a demonstration by women activists campaigning against the
killing of civilians by the army.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the King:
and Political Rights, Article 19 of which guarantees the freedom to inform
and to be informed
also asking him to ensure that decisions made by Nepali judges are respected
by the police and that journalists are not jailed for exercising their
duties or for opinions expressed in compliance the law
Appeals To
His Highness King Birenda
Kingdom of Nepal
Royal Palace
Katmandu, Nepal
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
