(RSF/IFEX) – According to information made available by RSF on 3 July 1998, the organisation is again concerned about new infringements on press freedom that have occurred in Nepal. According to RSF, on 2 July, in Kathmandu, policemen told transport firms not to handle newspapers that publish reports on the police operation against Maoist rebels. […]
(RSF/IFEX) – According to information made available by RSF on 3 July 1998,
the organisation is again concerned about new infringements on press freedom
that have occurred in Nepal. According to RSF, on 2 July, in Kathmandu,
policemen told transport firms not to handle newspapers that publish reports
on the police operation against Maoist rebels. They also seized and burned
newspapers found on buses and trucks.
Background Information
Since 9 June 1998, several newspapers have been seized by the police in
Sindhulimadhi (320 km south-east of Kathmandu): the daily “Ajko
Samacharpatra” and the weeklies “Jadanesh”, “Janaahwan”, “Yojana”, “Jana
Ekta” and “Jana Bhawana” – all published in Kathmandu – were confiscated
several times at the local market. Similar incidents were reported in other
districts, such as Gorkha, Sindhuli, Rukum, Salyan, Tanahun, Dhading and
Jajarkot, as the newspapers were about to be distributed. The newspapers had
printed information about the misconduct of security forces, who are
presumed to have killed civilians in clashes with Maoist guerrillas.
Moreover, RSF has learned that all articles that claim support for the
Maoist movement because of government corruption have been banned.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
and Political Rights, Article 19 of which guarantees the freedom to inform
and to be informed
about the clashes is published and distributed, except when it contains
incitement to hatred
Appeals To
His Excellency Girija Prasad Koirala
Office of the Prime minister
Katmandu
Nepal
Fax: +977 01 227 286
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
