Lack of unobstructed media environment may jeopardise outcome of Nepal elections

The International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal has expressed serious concern about continuous violence against journalists in Nepal.

Nepalese listen to a speech by unseen Maoist Chairman Prachanda at a rally in Kathmandu. Nepal's Maoists are cementing their new found political clout by establishing unions that could cripple the country and undermine a fragile peace deal, industry figures have warned. The International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal, which been closely monitoring the developments in the country since the process of restoring democracy and press freedoms began in April 2006, said the attackers on journalists in recent times have included groups affiliated with the former combatant parties in the conflict. (AFP/File/Devendra M Singh)

The mission, which been closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since the process of restoring democracy and press freedoms began in April 2006, said the attackers included groups affiliated with the former combatant parties in the conflict.

According to information provided to the mission by Nepali sources, there were 116 incidents of attempts to prevent journalists from doing their job of informing the people between January 1 and July 31 this year alone.

These incidents include arrests, attacks on media companies, abduction of journalists, threats and harassment and obstructions to the free flow of information, including disruptions in the production processes. "It is disturbing that the same media which played a leading role in the restoration of democracy a year ago have now become the target of attacks from various groups," the mission members said in a statement.

The International Mission welcomed the enactment of the Right to Information Act and steps to protect the rights of journalists under the Working Journalists Act, and also commended those Nepali journalists and media and freedom of expression organisations that have continuously advocated for legislative reform and defended press freedoms.

"A free and fairly elected Constituent Assembly remains the next vital step in Nepal’s peace process. The Constituent Assembly, for which elections are currently scheduled for November, will have a mandate to adopt a new Constitution which will define the structure of the State.

"Such a process depends on increased and informed debate in which the positions of all stakeholders are heard, and this will only be possible if there is a free, independent and pluralistic media able to inform the public without fear of retribution. The lack of such a plural and unobstructed media environment throughout the country, and specifically in those areas formerly most affected by the conflict, could jeopardise a free and fair outcome to the elections," they said.

The International Mission members called on all stakeholders, including the government and specifically the Ministry of Information, political parties and affiliated groups throughout Nepal, numerous active interest groups and the Nepali people in general to work collectively to build an environment that enables the media to report on the elections effectively and safely free from intimidation or attack.

Members of the International Mission include: