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ALERT - NEPAL
18 June 2007
Journalists assaulted by demonstrators in Birtamod; FM station attacked,
staff threatened
SOURCE: Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Kathmandu
(FNJ/IFEX) - Yadhav Poudel, of "Morning Times" and Mechi Tunes FM, and
Narayan Khadka, a correspondent with "Nepal Samacharpatra" daily were
attacked by unidentified demonstrators at Birtamod in Jhapa, an eastern
district, on 17 June 2007.
The two journalists were reporting on protests over irregularities in the
announcement of lottery results. While they were reporting, they were
rounded up by a few of the demonstrators, who beat them, saying the
journalists should not be spared. During the attack, Poudel and Khadka
sustained injuries to their eyes and back, respectively.
In a separate incident, "Kanchanjunga FM", also based in Birtamod, was also
attacked on 17 June at around 2:00 p.m. (local time). According to Krishna
Humagain, president of FNJ's Jhapa chapter, a group led by Dinesh Shah came
to the radio station's office with weapons and tried to damage the
property. The station's programming was interrupted for several hours
during the attack. The attackers also threatened the employees present and
used abusive language on women staff members. On 18 June, police arrested
Shah. He is believed to have attacked the station because it had declared
itself in favour of a democratic republic and Shah is a monarchist.
The FNJ has condemned the incident and urged the government to take strict
action against those responsible. FNJ is very concerned about the
increasing numbers of attacks and threats on journalists from various
groups. FNJ believes it is the duty of journalists to report the news
fairly and that journalists' safety should be ensured.
For further information contact R. B. Khatry, Executive Director, FNJ,
Media Village, Tilganga, Kathmandu, Nepal, tel: +977 1 449 0063 / 3873,
fax: +977 1 449 0085, e-mail: fnjnepal@mail.com.np, Internet:
http://www.fnjnepal.org
The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of FNJ.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit FNJ.
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