RSF terms armed Terai groups as 'predators of press freedom'

Reporters without Borders (RSF) has termed the armed groups active in southern Nepal as the 'predators of press freedom'.

In its annual report 2008 published Monday, the RSF said, "lives of the media in the south are made particularly horrendous by these radical armed groups, which claim to defend the local people's interests."

RSF recorded that at least 90 journalists were physically attacked, threatened or forced to leave their towns in 2007, following threats from armed militants, particularly the Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) and the Madhesi Tiger Nepal (MTN).

"These groups have been calling for people originally from the centre of Nepal to be driven out and seek to gag reporters who will not be reduced to acting as their mouthpiece," the report further said.

Stating that the armed groups listed 'wanted' journalists - along with rewards and posted in several southern towns, RSF said journalists are still targeted for violent attack despite the involvement of Maoist into the government.

The media rights watchdog has also expressed concern over the continued attack or orchestrating campaigns of intimidation, on journalists by groups linked to Maoist.

Three journalists have been kidnapped in Nepal since the start of 2007 and two others have been killed by former rebels. nepalnews.com ia May 06 08