27 May 2005

Over the past fortnight, the Nepalese media has found itself in a gridlock with the Royal Government of Nepal whilst facing an increasing threat from Maoist insurgents. The lives and livelihoods of journalists are threatened in a multitude of ways as the fight for media freedom continues in Nepal. Specifically, the new ordinance on media rights issued by the government is a major cause for concern.

"The fight for an unbiased press in Nepal must proceed unhindered and the IFJ will support Nepalese journalists until this is achieved," said IFJ president Christopher Warren.

Threat from CPN- Maoist insurgents
Journalist, Som Sharma abducted from his residence in Ilam on May 15 remains a hostage. The Ilam branch of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has called for his immediate release.

On May 19 a group of 40 insurgents allegedly looted transmission equipment worth over US $40 000 from Attariya community radio station Ghodaghodi FM. The FNJ has condemned the violent act.

"This ill-treatment of media practitioners should not be tolerated and the Nepalese government needs to find and incarcerate the perpetrators of these cruel acts," said Warren.

Government controls on media continue
According to information received by the IFJ, Rishi Dhamala, convener of the Reporters' Club is being harassed by the authorities. The Club, which had become an important forum for public debate, is being threatened with closure after Dhamala was summoned by the Minister of Information Tanka Dhakal, and visited on other occasions by persons who claimed to be from the Information Ministry. Dhamala has reportedly been told that the Reporters' Club can remain open only if he stops having guest panelists from the political parties. The IFJ strongly condemns the use of pressure tactics to browbeat journalists exercising their right to free expression.

Media powers curbed by Government Ordinance
On May 21, the Government of Nepal issued an ordinance amending some key media rights.

According to the new rules, cross media ownership of print, radio and television will no longer be allowed. Any individual or entity currently licensed to own all three forms has one year to choose two of the three to keep.

Further, the revised Act expressly prohibits any news item that may cause 'hatred or disrespect' towards the king and members of the Royal Family. There is also a ban on the import of foreign publications that contain prohibited information.

News-related program restrictions for FM radio stations have been extended to include restrictions on airing information to do with health, education, sports, environment or population. News that promotes or contains information about terrorism or 'destructive activities' will also be banned under the new provisions.

Editors and publishers found guilty of breaching any of the new codes are liable to a fine ten times more than the usual. This can be as high as US $7000.

Bishnu Nisthuri, president of the FNJ, has warned of severe protests against those seeking to curb press freedom. Former Supreme Court Justice Laxman Prasad Aryal says, "Any law that goes against the spirit of press freedom as granted by the Constitution would be illegal".

Attorney-General Pawan Kumar Jha defends the amendment, claiming they are for "regulating the media, not curbing it".

The FNJ protested against the proposed law on May 24 after holding discussions with lawyers and senior journalists.

"These latest reforms curtailing the media's right to publish honest and accurate information are not in the interest of the Nepalese public and will only further crush the small democratic space left in Nepal," said Warren.

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