The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in condemning an attack on a journalist on Sunday, June 7.
Thakur Gurung, the news editor of Radio Bihani in Dhading district, was attacked in Bansathali, Kathmandu by an unidentified group while he was returning from a program that he attended in the capacity of a journalist. He suffered serious injuries on his head, right hand and chest; and was rushed to the Janamaitri Hospital, where he is continuing to receive medical treatment.
The FNJ General Secretary Ujir Magar said: “An attack on a journalist is an activity against the press freedom and freedom of expression.â€
The IFJ and the FNJ have called for an immediate investigation to locate the perpetrators and bring them justice. The IFJ said: “Security of journalists is a big issue in Nepal to which the state has failed to deal with adequately. The IFJ has documented a deteriorating trend around journalists attacks and impunity and it is time the Nepalese government worked out a plan to ensure journalists’ safety and bring an end to impunity.â€
