Kathmandu, January 29:

The Canada based International Freedom of Expression and the Kathmandu based Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Studies have condemned the detention of and assault on journalists in the country while covering the pro-democracy demonstrations and rallies of the political parties.

In a statement issued yesterday, they have urged the authorities to refrain from targeting media personnel “under any pretext” while carrying out their duties.

Meanwhile, a team comprising representatives of Amnesty International, human rights organisations and civil society met political activists and Maoists kept at the Birgunj Central Jail yesterday.

Charan Prasai, chairman of the Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) on his return to Kathmandu from Birgunj said, “We couldn’t meet the Maoists separately since we were required to talk to them in the presence of the police.”