Are political activists, especially Maoists, disregarding press freedom pledges?
Reporters Without Borders is outraged by the enormous difference between what Nepal’s political activists, especially members of Maoist organisations, say about the safety of journalists and what they actually do. “What is the Maoist Party doing to rein in those of its activists who use violence to intimidate Nepalese journalists?” Reporters Without Borders asked. “During a recent visit by the International Mission to Nepal, in which we took part, the leading political parties gave clear undertakings to defend the freedom and safety of journalists. These undertakings must be respected as a matter of urgency as the cases of violence are growing. Political leaders must disown and punish all use of violence.” In one of the latest cases, Maoist activists yesterday intercepted a vehicle carrying thousands of copies of the Kathmandu Post and Kantipur dailies to the western city of Bhairahawa and set fire to the newspapers. Maoists destroyed a newspaper distribution truck in the same region o
