In a statement issued on the eve of the World Press Freedom, the UN rights body said it has received reports of at least 28 incidents ranging from intimidation to murder affecting journalists, editor and media entrepreneurs. [break]
"Most incidents have occurred in the Tarai region, targeting journalists for reporting wrongdoing or corruption, or simply for not following a particular political line," said OHCHR-N in a statement.
The UN rights body said that despite repeated calls by journalists, human rights organizations and the international community, the government, although vowing to identify and punish the perpetrators, has yet to make a single arrest in relation to any of the incidents.
“Bringing to book those responsible for attacking members of the media requires a genuine, determined effort by the authorities, while those sheltering alleged murderers must be prepared to surrender them," OHCHR-N said.
At least six media workers have been killed in Nepal since 2007 and justice is vital in all cases, it said.
"I suggest as a first concrete action that the existing warrants for the arrest of those accused of murdering journalist Birendra Sah in November 2007 be enforced with the full cooperation of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist),” said OHCHR-Nepal Representative Richard Bennett.
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