We won't hand over Parshuram: YAN chief

KATHMANDU, June 22: Youth Association Nepal (YAN) Persident Mahesh Basnet on Wednesday reiterated that his organization would not hand over YAN Morang Vice-president Parshuram Basnet, the prime accused in the murderous attack on journalist Khilanath Dhakal, to the police.



YAN is the youth wing of the ruling CPN UML.[break]



Speaking at an interaction organized by Reporters Club-Nepal, Basnet, who has been claiming to be in touch with Parshuram, said the YAN would produce Parshuram in court only after a case is filed against him.



Accusing the home administration of being biased, Basnet claimed that the ministry headed by Maoist minister was trying to frame Parshuram on trumped up abduction and an attempted murder charge. “The Maoists are trying to frame UML cadres on fake charges. We also have serious doubts over the impartiality of police administration. So we will produce Parshuram only in the court,” he said.



He also said that YAN has been giving protection to Parshuram, arguing that it is the organization´s duty to protect its cadres. He also accused the Federation of Nepalese Journalist Morang Chapter of trying to frame Parshuram by joining hands with the local elements that are against Parshuram.



Speaking on the occasion, Nepali Congress youth leader Gagan Thapa asked YAN to immediately hand over Parshuram to the police and seek legal remedy. “All citizens should abide by the existing laws in the country. I ask Youth Association Nepal to immediately hand over Parshuram to the police,” he said.



He also asked YAN not to cast doubts over the government headed by its own mother party. “If YAN does not believe the government, who will?” he said, adding, “Criminals do not have any party, creed or color. Amnesty to criminals only promotes impunity.”



Maoist leader Janardan Sharma and Madhesi People´s Rights Forum (MPRF) leader Sanjaya Sah expressed solidarity with the ongoing protests of journalists. They said it is unfortunate that the party leadership has been protecting Parshuram.



Nagarik violated journalistic ethics: Mahesh



YAN President Mahesh Basnet has accused Nagarik Daily of violating journalistic norms and ethics by publishing the call details of the phone conversation between Parshuram Basnet and police officials.



“Nagarik daily needed publicity. But it has sought cheap publicity,” he said. He alleged that Nagarik was engaged in “anarchic journalism” in the name of press freedom.

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