PM assures security to journalists

KATHMANDU, May 10: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Monday expressed commitment to provide security to media persons.



Speaking to a delegation of photo journalists who reached his office at Singha Durbar, the prime minister also assured action against the Maoist protestors involved in beating up journalists during Sunday´s protest at Maitighar Mandala. [break]



Irate Maoists had mercilessly beaten up photo journalist associated with Associated News Agency Prabin Maharjan and Avenues Television cameraperson Rabindra Shrestha. Likewise, journalist Shruti Niraula of Sagarmatha Television was also harassed by Maoist cadres.



The delegation comprising photojournalists belonging to print and online media and television camerapersons met the prime minister demanding security to mediapersons. They had asked the government to make special security arrangement for mediapersons as they are targeted by both state and non-state actors.



The prime minister, who was accompanied by Minister for Information and Communications Shankar Pokharel, reaffirmed that the government was committed to safeguarding press freedom.



On the occasion, the prime minister said that the government is working to make government offices media-friendly. He said that the govenrment is preparing to set up a media room at the Prime Minister´s Office.



He also said the government would take initiative to introduce insurance scheme for cameras and other equipment of journalists.



UNESCO condemns attacks on journos



The UNESCO Kathmandu Office has condemned the intimidations and attacks faced by journalists and media personnel covering the incidents at Singha Durbar on Sunday.



“These attacks violate the fundamental rights of the media professionals who have been targeted yesterday [Sunday]. But they also attack the right of everyone to receive a diversity of information and ideas,” the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu said in a statement Monday.



The statement added that under no circumstances journalists should be barred from their central role of contributing to the peace process through accuracy and independence of reporting, and transparency and professionalism in access to information.



The statement further said the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu is particularly concerned by the attacks as they come only a few days after the celebrations of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.

Related story

Mr Speaker, Either Prove or Apologize!