KATHMANDU, Oct 18 - Eleven international organizations related to media have univocally criticized the newly promulgated media ordinance aimed at imposing curbs on news in Nepal.
"We condemn the 'Ordinance Amending some of the Nepal Acts related to Media' promulgated on October 9," stated a joint statement issued by Media Services International on behalf of 'International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal' on Monday.
"In addition, we urge the international community to step up support for the independent media in order to help save one of the kingdom's last surviving democratic gains," the statement said.
The media mission comprising 11 international organizations has expressed profound concern over further undermining of Nepal's vibrant independent media that has been opposing the curtailment of press freedom since Feb 1, 2005.
"We wish to reaffirm our solidarity with the media community and freedom of expression advocates in Nepal who continue to be the victims of intimidation, harassment, repression and violence," it said, adding, "In this regard, we will continue to support the media community, without any intention to interfere in the editorial lines of the Nepali media."
The media mission comprises international organizations including Article 19, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), International Media Support (IMS), International Press Institute (IPI), Press Institute of India (PII) Reporters sans Frontiers (RSF), South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), UNESCO, World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC), and World Association of Newspapers (WAN).
