The Hindu : International : Nepal journalists take out march, demand press freedom

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 04, 2005

International

International

Nepal journalists take out march, demand press freedom

Sit-ins, U.N. conference mark World Press Freedom Day

KATHMANDU: In a massive show of strength, over 1,500 journalists from across Nepal on Tuesday marched through the streets of the capital, demanding immediate lifting of press censorship, release of their detained colleagues and restoration of democracy and civil liberties.

Organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) to mark its Golden Jubilee and the World Press Freedom Day, the marchers carrying placards and banners shouted slogans like ``End press censorship'', ``Restore democratic rights'', ``Guarantee journalists' rights'' and ``Release all detained journalists.''

They had a brief scuffle with police before converging at the Royal Nepal Academy hall here.

The FNJ said at least six journalists remained under detention and more than 2,000 had lost their jobs since the February 1 royal takeover.

The former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President, Girija Prasad Koirala, inaugrating the 21st National Convention of the FNJ, said ``We cannot imagine democracy without a free press.''

Pointing towards the important role played by media in the democratic movement, he said parties were discussing to chalk out a common minimum agenda to launch an agitation would be published. — PTI

Grim time

AP reports from Paris:

Press freedom advocates came together around the world at a grim time when reporters face rising threats of killings, kidnappings, jailings and other abuse just for doing their jobs.

Sit-ins, human-chain demonstrations and a U.N. conference were under way or scheduled in countries from the Philippines to Senegal for the 15th annual World Press Freedom Day. — PTI, AP

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