Nepal: Journalists oppose police manhandling

Kathmandu, Apr 9: Federation of Nepalese journalists (FNJ) has denounced the police manhandling and arrest of journalists in various parts of the country.

The incidents of manhandling and arrest of journalists collecting news on protests being held in various parts of the country, are increasing each successive day, the FNJ said in a press statement issued here today.

It has asked the government to direct the security agencies not to repeat such acts in the future.

At least seven journalists were injured by security forces in Baglung yesterday as they were covering the peaceful protest organised by the Seven Party Alliance (SPA), FNJ said.

There have been reports of manhandling of journalists in different parts of the country, it said.

Meanwhile, Paris based Reporter Sans Frontiers (RSF) has condemned the arrest of at least 59 journalists since April 5 during press freedom demonstrations that were obstructed by police in Kathmandu and other towns.

The RSF has called the royal government to release the journalists still in jail, stop reprisals against the protesters and keep its promises to defend press freedom in Nepal.

The seven parties have intensified the movement to end autocratic rule of king Gyanendra in recent days taking out massive protest rallies across the country defying curfew.

Thousands of people have come to the streets in Kirtipur area defying the curfew chanting slogans against King Gyanendra and demanding complete democracy in the Himalayan nation.

UNI

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