Kathmandu, February 8:

Press Freedom in Nepal is backsliding, concluded the International Media Mission team, which undertook a rapid response assessment of the press freedom situation in the country in its four-day visit.

“We were optimistic that the situation would improve during our visit last year,

but press freedom here continues to face serious threat despite hope that restoration of democratic rule would improve the situation,” said Thomas Hughes, representative of International Media Support.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists recorded a staggering 342 cases of press freedom violation in 2008 alone, including a significant escalation in the number

of physical attacks on journalists and media houses. The media mission, which also visited Janakpur,

called on the authorities to undertake prompt, independent and impartial investigation of these and all other cases of murder and disappearance of journalists.

Regarding Prakash Singh Thakur — a journalist who went missing since 2007 and the government withdrew charges against the accused as well as releasing him on bail, Hughes added, “Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal assured the mission that the case would be reopened and that press freedom would be taken seriously.”

They also expressed grave concern over the attacks on media houses, including Kantipur, Himamedia, Ankush Daily, Ramaroshan FM and APCA group. “Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions. Any dispute, conflict over work conditions between workers, journalists and

the owners must be addressed through dialogue, peaceful means and negotiation,” Sukumar Muralidharan, representative of International Federation of Journalists, said.

While respecting the investigation process and the country’s law, due processes also need to be observed in the cases against Rishi Dhamala, Subhak Mahato, Birendra K Mahato and Manoj Mahato, Hughes remarked. Condition for women journalists is of particular concern as they are more vulnerable to attack and harassment and are forced to leave their work and even move away from home due to such pressures, according to him.

The mission noted that not a single person had been convicted for a criminal act against journalists and media houses, and called on the PM and the government to their commitment to end impunity. Moreover, the Mission demands that violence against journalists and the media end immediately.

Among the six recommendations the mission outlined in accordance with international standards and best practices, they urged the government and political parties to guarantee freedom of expression and press freedom in the constitution, enforce Right to Information Act, end state control of media and put in place Public Service Broadcasting.

The Mission is represented by ARTICLE 19 — the London-based international organisation for human rights — International Federation of Journalists, International Media Support, International Press Institute, Reporters Without Borders, UNESCO and World Press Freedom Committee.