exactly as received**
To: IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES),
sandhakal@gmail.com
CEHURDES Condemns Assault On Reporter
Kathmandu, June 10, 2007 - The Center for Human Rights and DemocraticStudies (CEHURDES) - a Kathmandu-based freedom of expression monitoring group -condemns assault against a journalist by the activists of Maoist-affiliated Madhesi National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Kathmandu.
On June 9, Bijaya Poudel, a journalist working for Kantipur Television - aprivate television media - was physically assaulted by the MNLF activistsat New Baneshwore area of the capital city. Poudel's motorcycle was alsovandalized.
Poudel was attacked when he was on his way to the office of the KantipurTelevision and had reached New Baneshwore where the MNLF was holding astreet meeting blocking the road. Poudel showed his identity card to noavail. According to Kantipur daily, Poudel has been hurt in his back side.
The Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Matrika Yadav, a seniorMaoist leader, who was the chief guest at the street meeting, too, declinedto talk about the incident when inquired.
The MNLF is a sister organization of Maoists, which is active in Terai orMadhes region in the southern plains of Nepal. It had organized the streetmeeting protesting the recent police highhandedness against their agitationin Kathmandu. The MNLF is in agitation demanding rights for the people ofTerai region.
The CEHURDES condemns the unjustified and unprovoked assault against ajournalist. The CEHURDES also condemns the indifference shown by theMinister at the attack against the journalist. The CEHURDES is gravelyconcerned with the manner in which assailants can target the journalistsand get away with that. It believes that such a dangerous trend couldultimately injure the Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression. END
**The information contained in this autolist item is the sole
responsibility of CEHURDES**
