Press Statement

Journalist attacked in Nepal

11 Mar, 2014

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in condemning an attack against a journalist by unidentified assailants at Dharapani Village of Dhanusha, Nepal on the night of March 7.

According to reports BP Sah, 23, executive editor of Deshiya monthly magazine, was attacked when he was attending a marriage ceremony of a relative. He received wounds on his head and is receiving treatment at a local hospital. Sah said the assailants started beating him with sharp weapons after asking him to write news on himself. Prior to the incident Sah had received threats for the coverage of corruption by the chief priest in a well-known temple.

“An attack on a journalist is an attack on press freedom and an assault on journalists’ constitutional rights,” FNJ General Secretary Om Sharma said in a release. “The FNJ strongly condemns the attack and demands the Nepalese government arrest assailants as soon as possible.”

Safety is a major issue for journalists in Nepal and impunity for assaults on journalists has become an increasingly concerning issue. FNJ had recorded 54 incidents of media rights violations in 2013.

The IFJ urges the government of Nepal to immediately investigate this assault, arrest those responsible and begin legal proceedings to ensure journalists in Nepal can feel safe going about their work. The IFJ also reiterates its request to the government to ensure the ongoing safety and security of journalists.

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific IFJ Asia-Pacific

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries.
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