A statement issued by the Alliance said it will continue its agitation because of "sustained public threats" by Maoist union leaders against Himalmedia and intimidation against APCA Group and Kantipur this week as well as the attack by the Youth Force against Ankush daily in Birgunj on Tuesday.The four conditions of the Alliance are: the environment of threats is removed; two of the named attackers (Ramesh Babu Panta and Ramesh KC) on Himalmedia are apprehended and criminal procedures started against them; the government issues a public apology for the attack; and there is a credible commitment from the government to protect press freedom from further threats, intimidation and violence.
On Tuesday, Nepal Media Society and Editors’ Alliance had joined forces with BAN (Broadcasting Association of Nepal), ACORAB (Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal), KVFB (Kathmandu Valley FM Broadcasters) to launch the Alliance, which brings together Nepal’s national daily newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio networks and online news portals.
Uniform messages in all media
The Alliance also said in the statement that it will start printing uniform messages in all member newspapers, magazines and news portals, and air the messages in TV stations, radio networks. The message will read: "The struggle for press freedom continues".
The Alliance also said in the statement that it will start printing uniform messages in all member newspapers, magazines and news portals, and air the messages in TV stations, radio networks. The message will read: "The struggle for press freedom continues".
"In the context of union demands being used as a pretext to curtail press freedom, the Alliance has also clarified its position on trade union and labor issues," said the statement. Maintaining that it respects trade union rights and collective bargaining process, the Alliance said it has abided by stipulated laws related to working journalists and minimum wages.
"However, any disputes should be settled through due process, and any use of violence and disruptions in publication and broadcast will not be tolerated," it warned. "Such acts should be treated as criminal offence. If negotiations fail, trade unions should follow a legal recourse."
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