RSF terms armed groups in Nepal as predators of press freedom

Kathmandu, May 7 : Reporters without Borders (RSF) in its annual report 2008, has termed the armed groups in southern Nepal as 'predators of press freedom'.

According to Nepalnews, the RSF said, "lives of the media in the south are made horrendous by these radical armed groups, which claim to defend the local people's interests."

Following threats from armed militants, particularly the Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) and the Madhesi Tiger Nepal (MTN), at least 90 journalists were attacked, or forced to leave their towns in 2007, the RSF said.

"These groups have been calling for people originally from the centre of Nepal to be driven out and seek to gag reporters who will not be reduced to acting as their mouthpiece," RSF added.

Stating that the armed groups listed 'wanted' journalists - along with rewards and posted in several southern towns, RSF further said that the journalists are still targeted for violent attack despite the involvement of Maoist into the government.

ANI