IFJ Condemns Arrest of Two Journalists in Nepal

FJ Condemns Arrest of Two Journalists in Nepal
Wednesday, 2 March 2011, 9:46 am
Press Release: International Federation of Journalists


Media Release: Nepal
March 1, 2011

IFJ Condemns Arrest of Two Journalists in Nepal

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) strongly condemns the arrest of two journalists Ram Pukar Raut and Pravin Sharma Jha in Rautahat district, in the eastern plains (Terai) of Nepal on February 24.

According to information received from the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), an IFJ affiliate, the two journalists who bring out a local weekly, The New Times Today, have been charged with illicit links to a banned underground armed group active in the Terai. The arrests followed the weekly’s publication of a press release put out by the underground group.


Related Stories on Scoop
New IFJ Report Outlines Restrictions on Journalists in China 01/02/2011
Nepal: IFJ Report Shows Continued Challenges for Journalists 20/01/2011
IFJ Condemns Victimisation of Journalist Union Leader 19/01/2011
IFJ Mourns Two Journalists Killed In Pakistan Attack 07/12/2010
IFJ Condemns ‘Cold Blooded' Murder of Journalist in Pakistan 07/12/2010

Results powered by search.scoop.co.nz
More Related Stories >>>

FNJ sources believe that the arrests may be in retaliation for a number of articles published in the weekly exposing corruption inside the local government administration and police. Rautahat, a district bordering India , is believed to be a transit point for contraband traffic. Raut and Jha have recently suggested in their reporting that local police may be involved in smuggling activities.

“The IFJ calls for the immediate release of the two journalists,” said IFJ Asia -Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.

“Political conditions in the Terai are unsettled and journalists are often called upon to make tough decisions on how far they can accommodate statements issued by underground groups.

“Though formally banned, these armed groups can influence the course of civic life for thousands of ordinary citizens and journalists have the right to judge when it is appropriate to publish these statements.”

The FNJ and other organisations have been working towards evolving a code of practice for journalists confronting these difficult daily choices.

The IFJ calls upon the authorities in Nepal to allow that debate to proceed, without introducing needless distractions through actions designed to silence the free press.

ENDS