Freedom Forum has been gravely concerned over the anti-press incidents occurred in the capital city, Kathmandu, on December 19, 2011.
The Nepali Congress party had organized Nepal banda (nationwide shutdown) on the day in protest of the attack and subsequent death of Chitwan Chairman of Tarun Dal Shiva Poudel.
Moreover, the demonstrators manhandled Pushpa Neupane, journalist with the Radio Mirmire and vandalized his motorcycle too.
Although the Nepali Congress had committed not to interfere with media persons and the press vehicles while announcing the banda, its cadres failed to maintain restraint and acted against press freedom, which the Freedom Forum, condemns and urges the concerned party to respect journalist's rights and citizens' rights to information.
Also, the party needs to provide compensation to the media offices which incurred loss with vandalisms.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022