Press Chautari Nepal launched phase-wise protest movement from Wednesday demanding action against Maoist cadres involved in the abduction and subsequent murder of journalist Birendra Shah of Bara.
Hundreds of journalists joined in a protest rally in Kathmandu this morning. The protesting journos demanded that the government immediately initiate action against Shah’s murderers and compensate his family.
After a meeting Tuesday, the Press Chautari stated that the government has shown reluctance to take action against those involved in the murder, and announced various protest programmes. A memorandum would also be submitted to the prime minister on Friday and relief funds would be collected to help Shah’s family.
Similarly, the Press Chautari has demanded that the Maoists publicly apologise for the murder, reiterate their commitment to press freedom so that this kind of incidents do not recur in future; the state declare Shah a martyr, and ensure livelihood for his family. The media group has said that it will continue with its protest movement unless these demands are met.
Shah, whose body was found a month after his abduction, on Nov 8, was a central committee member of Press Chautari Nepal. nepalnews.com mk/ag Nov 14 07
