U.N. Says Threats Against Journalists Must End In Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal (AHN) - United Nations human rights officials in Nepal have voiced concern over recent threats and actions taken against reporters and newspaper distributors, calling on authorities to step up media security.

In the past two days, groups of the Madheshi Jandhikar Forum (MJF) have harassed newspaper distributors and threatened journalists and those selling several newspapers in Birgung in Parsa district for allegedly not giving the group enough coverage, a U.N. statement said.

"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, who heads the Central Region Office of the U.N. Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal), according to the statement.

Urging the district administration and Nepal's police to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of journalists and newspapers distributors in Birgunj, the OHCHR-Nepal called on the MJF to hold talks regarding reporting with the media.