OHCHR calls for end to threats against media by MJF cadres

OHCHR-Nepal's Central Region Office has expressed concern at actions taken against journalists and newspaper distributors in Birgunj, Parsa district, by cadres of the Madheshi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) Nepal in the past two days.

"MJF cadres have interfered with distribution of newspapers and issued threats against both journalists and sellers of the Annapurna Post, The Himalayan Times and Kantipur Daily, over their alleged lack of coverage of various events concerning the MJF, " OHCHR said in a statement Wednesday, expressed serious concern over the threats to media.

While the media's reporting should be fair and impartial, the decision of what and how to report the news must be the decision of media outlets alone, the statement said."OHCHR urges the MJF to respond to media coverage by lawful means, and encourages it to initiate discussions of coverage matters with the concerned media."

The UN rights body also urged the district administration and Nepal Police to urgently take measures to ensure the security of journalists and newspaper distributors in Birgunj.

"A free and independent press is a cornerstone of a democratic society, and it is imperative that all parties and individuals employ only lawful means to try to influence how and what the media reports," said Johan Olhagen, head of OHCHR's Central Region Office. nepalnews.com July 30 08