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Nepal journalists attacked

KATHMANDU: A Maoist-affiliated trade union on Sunday attacked one of the biggest media houses of the country, Himal Media, vandalising its properties and assaulting journalists.

Kunda Dixit, the Editor/Publisher of Nepali Times, Kiran Nepal, Editor of Himal Khabar Patrika, and the company’s CEO, Ashutosh Tiwari, were attacked by a group of around 50 persons in their office in Haattiban.

A press statement issued by the media group states: “They forcibly entered the premises and started beating up staff. They threatened editorial and administrative staff, saying they had written anti-Maoist stories.”

The latest issue of the Himal Khabar Patrika and Nepali Times have investigative stories about Maoists, who are threatening businesses and the media. “This is a press freedom issue,” said Mr. Dixit, adding: “The Maoists want to control the media.”

Meanwhile, Dambar Krishna Shrestha, who tried to protect Mr. Dixit, was roughed up. “They asked me who I was,” he told The Hindu, adding: “I said ‘I am a reporter’, then came their fists.”

The office claims 12 of its staff were injured by the attackers, who were led by Ramesh Babu Panta and Ramesh K. C.

Himal Media has been targeted frequently in recent days, with its staff receiving threat calls.

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