Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) organized the nationwide protest, marking death anniversary of journalist Uma Singh.[break]
In the capital, the rally started from Exhibition Road and passed through Putalisadak, Kamaladi and Ratnapark before concluding at Exhibition Road. Press Chautari and Nepal Press Union also participated in the rally.
Speaking after conclusion of the rally, Shiva Gaunle, chairman of FNJ, urged the government to take legal action against the culprits. “If the government didn´t heed our call, we will knock on the doors of International Criminal Court to provide justice to the victim,” added Thapa.
Bisnu Nisthuri, former president of FNJ, requested the government not to give political protection to the culprits.
Addressing the gathering, Bishnu Rijal, general secretary of Press Chautari Nepal, accused the Prime Minister of interfering into the police investigation. “Political intervention into the case won´t be acceptable,” he added.
Journalists stage protest rally. (Photo: Bijay Rai)
Khil Bahadur Bhandari of Revolutionary Journalist´s Association said it is wrong to raise the issue of late Thapa only when many other journalists like Krishna Sen ´Icchuk´ were killed during insurgency.
Ajay Siwakoti of Nepal Press Union said investigations should be launched against killing of all journalists.
´Prosecute PM for contempt of court´
Legal professionals have said Minister Baburam Bhattarai and Attorney General Mukti Pradhan should be prosecuted for contempt of court.
PM Bhattarai had allegedly ordered local police in Dailekh to halt interrogation against the murderers of journalist Thapa. Similarly, Attorney General Thapa had reportedly threatened district attorney in Dailekh of dire consequence if he proceeded with the prosecution of Maoist cadres involved in the murder of Thapa.
Speaking at an interaction in the capital on Friday, Senior Advocate Shambhu Thapa said international community should boycott both the prime minister and attorney general to help end impunity in Nepal.
Senior advocate Harihar Dahal argued that the government was protecting criminals in the name of saving peace process. “Both the prime minister and the attorney general should be prosecuted for contempt of court,” he said.
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