Mission urges probe into murder and disappearance of journalists

KATHMANDU, Feb 8: The visiting International Media Mission has asked the government to conduct independent and impartial investigation into the murder and disappearance of journalists in Nepal.



The mission has made this appeal over the murder of journalists Uma Singh, J. P. Joshi, Birendra Sah, and Puskar Joshi, and disappearance of a number of other journalists over the years. [break]



After wrapping up a four-day visit to Nepal on Sunday, the mission has concluded that the state of press freedom is worsening in Nepal due to continued threats to and physical attacks on media persons and media houses. The mission said such situation will pose serious threats to the ongoing peace process and democratization process in the country.






The mission comprised of the representatives of International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Article 19, International Media Assistance, Reporters’ Sans Borders (RSF), International Press Institute (IPI), UNESCO and World Press Freedom Committee.



The mission has urged the government to conduct investigation into the murder of journalist Dekendra Thapa, while expressing serious concern over the government move to withdraw the case against those guilty behind disappearing journalist Prakash Singh Thagunna in July, 2007.



Likewise, the body said its attention was drawn by the government’s failure to follow due legal process while apprehending journalist Rishi Dhamala, Birendra KM, Shubhak Mahato and Manoj Mahato.



While expressing sorrow over the attacks against media houses by their own workers, the visiting media mission also suggested concerned parties to resolve their differences through dialogue.