January 2, 2005
RUKUM: Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) militants assaulted Netra K.C. of the BBC Nepali Service, and French journalist Vincent S. Prado, in Syalapakha of Rukum district and confiscated their belongings. The militants threatened to kill the journalists and stopped them from gathering information even after seeing their press cards.
Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES)

January 2, 2005
ILAM: Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) militants banned the journalists and human rights activists' entry in their stronghold areas in Ilam district without permission. The militants warned journalists and human rights activists of detention if they violated the ban.

Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES) condemned the CPN-Maoists' actions against journalists and human rights workers and urged the militants to stop such attacks. The organisation asked the militant leaders to ensure freedom of movement and an environment conducive to free and fair news reporting in their stronghold areas.
CEHURDES, Nepal Samacharpatra

January 2, 2005
DAILEKH: A policeman attacked Bhupendra Sahi of the state-owned daily "Gorkhapatra" when he was taking photographs of a location where Maoist militants killed local ruling party official, Dil Bahadur Rana. The policeman accused Sahi and Naman Kumar Sahi, local representative of 'Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), a human rights group, of defending the Maoists.
Reporters sans Frontieres (Reporters Without Borders--RSF)

January 2, 2005
NEPALGUNJ: Police roughed up Roshan Puri, a reporter of Lumbini FM station, in the southwestern town of Nepalgunj while he was preparing a report. The police promised a probe into the matter.
Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF)

Plainclothes security officials abducted Parajuli from his home in New Baneswor, Kathmandu district, blindfolded him and took him away in a car. Pun, a provincial correspondent for the national daily "Rajdhani", was being held by the Royal Nepalese Army at their barracks in Pyuthan (the central western Nepal). He was kidnapped by a group of Maoist militants on November 18, 2004, in Rukum. The army rescued him in December, but kept him in detention for "interrogation".

The security forces released Sita Ram Parajuli on January 9 after detaining him for 13 days at an undisclosed military detention centre. He said that after two days he was shifted to another location and warned not to disclose details of his detention and interrogation. Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES) welcomed Parajuli's release and urged the security forces to release all detained journalists.
Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF), Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES)

January 9, 2005
KATHMANDU: Unknown assailants vandalised offices of the weekly "Hindu" in Anam Nagar, Kathmandu, and took away a computer and a printer.
Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES)

January 11, 2005
RAJBIRAJ: A group of upper caste people including Chaudhary, Yadav and Shah, injured a group of journalists when they went to cover the entry of Dalits into a local temple at Kanakpur in Saptari district following a ban on their prayer there. The group also abused a local correspondent of Kantipur daily, a representative of the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) year book Prakash Khatiwada and The Himalayan Times reporter and district vice-president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Jitendra Khadka.

The upper caste people manhandled the Dalits when they tried to enter into the temple with the help of the Chetana Dalit Sangam, a local NGO working for the Dalits. Afterwards, security forces arrested Om Bahadur Khadka, Indra Narayan Chaudhary, Dorik Lal Shah, Soman Yadav, Bindeshwor Chaudhary, Bodhi Chaudhary, Kishun Shah, Shanti Devi Chaudhary and Hariya Devi Chaudhary.
Himalayan Times

RSF, a world press freedom organisation, condemned the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) on January 28 for torturing Giri in "secret and illegal" detention. RSF, in a statement sent to then prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, informed about the modes of torture on Giri like electric shocks and spray with freezing water, and demanded the government to punish the security forces involved in torturing the journalists.
The Kathmandu Post, Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF)

January 23, 2005
KATHMANDU: President of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Taranath Dahal, said democracy was a precondition for free press in the country. Addressing a launch function of the radio programme production training for the students of Nagarjuna International College at Lalitpur, Dahal declared the progress in advertisement market crucial for the healthy growth of media where market was static at around two billion rupees for the last eight years despite increase in the media outlets. Sriram Singh Basnet, founder of the Media Point--a media training instituteraised a question regarding the code of ethics for media while acknowledging the physical growth of Nepalese media.
Nepalnews

January 28, 2005
KATHMANDU: Media experts in a workshop organised on the theme of "Peace Education for Young Journalists and Advocacy Actors" discussed the media's priorities in event coverage and its ignorance towards the situation of victims in the conflict. Joergen Klussmann, a German journalist and expert on peace education, highlighted the role of journalists in a conflict situation through responsible and impartial reporting for peace and emphasised on giving priority to the victims generally ignored in conflict reporting. Senior journalists P. Kharel and Shobha Gautam also acknowledged the role of media in peace building
Nepalnews

February 1, 2005
KAVRE: Rajkumar Parajuli, a local correspondent of The Himalayan Times (THT) and a member of the Kavre unit of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), was attacked by the sons of Madhav Adhikari, central president of the Nepal Teachers' Union (NTU).

They manhandled him for writing a report in THT on a speech delivered by Adhikari during the NTO's district convention on September 12, 2004. FNJ president Taranath Dahal asked the authorities to act against the culprits.
The Himalayan Times

Emergency Proclaimed in Nepal
February 1, 2005
KATHMANDU: King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah on February 1 sacked the government of prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Nepal, imposed a state of emergency, dissolved the parliament, suspended all fundamental rights and censored all media outlets.

The country was disconnected from the outside world after cutting off the phone lines, internet, and domestic and international flights. Following the emergency, the king curtailed basic freedoms, including freedom of the press, the constitutional protection against censorship, and the right against preventive detention.

The fundamental rights of Nepalese citizens including Article 11, Right to Equality; Article 12, Right to Freedom; Article 13, Press and Publication Right; Article 14, Right Regarding Criminal Justice; Article 15, Right against Preventive Detention; Article 16, Right to Information; Article 17, Right to Property; Article 18, Cultural and Educational Right; Article 19, Right to Religion; Article 20, Right against Exploitation; Article 21, Right against Exile; Article 22, Right to Privacy; and Article 23, Right to Constitutional Remedy were suspended.

Soldiers swooped down on newspapers and broadcast newsrooms. Direct censorship imposed on media forced the journalists to publish bland news and publish their opinion in puns and metaphors.

February 2, 2005
KATHMANDU: King Gyanendra's decision to dismiss the Deuba government on February 1 and impose state of emergency in the country meant a clampdown on a number of informative websites, with little news trickling out of the country because the phones were cut off as well. Newspapers carried news dictated by the King, who imposed a virtual news blackout across the state. Indian newspaper, The Hindu, reported that the country suspended a number of elements of the Nepalese constitution, including freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
The Inquirer

February 2, 2005
NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concern over the safety of Nepalese journalists and the censorship of the press following King Gyanendra's dismissal of Nepal's multi-party government. CPJ Executive Director, Ann Cooper, called suspension of civil liberties "a worrisome sign" for all citizens, including journalists. CPJ, in a statement, said the king had curtailed basic freedoms, including freedom of the press, the constitutional protection against censorship, and the right against preventive detention. Internet and phone lines had been cut, and Nepal's news websites were out of service. BBC reported that the King's censorship of the media was evident in the bland coverage produced by Nepal's outspoken newspapers and the news of prime minister's dismissal was reported without critical editorial comments. The king's takeover gave additional powers to the security forces. Before the coup, journalists were already at risk of preventive detention and abuse by security forces. The statement recalled the last state of emergency imposed from November 2001 to August 2002 when more than 100 journalists were detained by security forces.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

February 2, 2005
KATHMANDU: Netra KC, a stringer for BBC, Nepalgunj, "disappeared" after BBC Radio's World Service broadcast an interview with Maoist leader, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, from an undisclosed location. The rebel leader accused the king of closing all doors of negotiations with his move. The BBC anchor mentioned Netra KC as its Nepal stringer, along with mentioning that telephone lines were disconnected in Nepal and KC was nipping across the border into India to make calls. Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) reported that he was arrested and interrogated for four hours, but released the same day.
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 3, 2005
KATMANDU: King Gyanendra placed a six-month ban on media reports critical of the state of emergency. Nepalese public could not even receive any news of a three-day general strike called by Maoist militants, BBC reported. The United States, Britain and numerous rights groups criticised the king's moves.
New Kerala

February 4, 2005
NEW YORK: Security forces arrested Khagendra Sangraula, a prominent social critic and columnist of Kantipur daily, and held him at the armed police headquarters at Halchowk. Security forces were also seeking to arrest Tara Nath Dahal, president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) who issued a statement condemning the king's actions and loss of press freedom.

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)'s Executive Director, Ann Cooper, expressed concern for the safety of Khagendra Sangraula and Tara Nath Dahal, and declared citizens and journalists extremely vulnerable to human rights abuses at the hands of army and Maoists. A source in Nepal told CPJ that security forces were also in search of arresting Sambhu Shrestha, editor of Dristi weekly. State radio announced on February 3 that private radio stations could broadcast entertainment programmes only. With the blackout on media outside Kathmandu, several newspapers had stopped their publication, including Mechi Kali, Daily Lumbini, Jana Sangharsa and Naya Disha.

A local journalist told the Associated Press that media blackout had cut off all news from villages and media ban in Pokhara could not let the people know about the firing of soldiers on students. Across the country, internet and phone lines, including mobile phones and domestic landlines, remained down.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

Representatives at the meeting extended their solidarity to Nepalese journalist and called upon the King to immediately restore multiparty democracy and basic civil rights. As a mark of protest against the highhanded actions of the King, the representatives said they would wear black badges and organize nation-wide protest against the crackdown on the media and assault on press freedom and other fundamental rights in Nepal.
International Federation of Journalists

February 4, 2005
KATHMANDU: Security forces arrested Bishnu Nisthuri, FNJ general secretary, from his residence in Anamnagar. Bowing to the national and international press pressure, the security forces released Mr. Nisthuri on February 25.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 5, 2005
KATMANDU: Newspapers published editorials about the sunny winter weather, a rat that ran up a cook's trousers, and an article on the dangers faced by the country's river dolphins, mentioning little of the royal seizure of power. Soldiers quickly swooped down on newspaper and broadcast newsrooms where they checked every report before it goes to press or on air. Armoured military vehicles were parked in front of the offices of many media outlets to monitor their activities.

After two days when soldiers were back to their barracks, newspapers could only criticise in form of humour and metaphors. Newspapers could not disseminate any news, because the soldiers scrutinised all articles to censor remarks objectionable to the king, said an editor of a Nepali-language newspaper requesting anonymity.

Warning readers in the changed situation, many newspapers prominently printed the censorship decree of the government, which overtly declared a crackdown on Maoists, but it was "crack down only on the press", said an editor on the condition of anonymity.

A small graphic in a weekly Nepali Times showed the front pages of a number of foreign newspapers with the headlines: "Trouble on the Roof of the World" and "King sacks govt: Nepal cut off." A newspaper published an editorial about trees being cut off, a clear metaphor for a muzzled press, which concluded with a question: "Can we ask the concerned authority to promptly correct the move and bring back greenery?" In an effort to avoid arbitrary imprisonment and torture after criticising the government openly, some media outlets chose to run bland news pages while others published opinions in puns and metaphors.
Seattlepi.com

Brig. Gen. Dipak K. Gurung, a spokesman for the Royal Nepal Army, said the soldiers had been pulled back from newspaper offices after the editors' assurance of self-censorship. One editor said the assurance followed a threat by the king's press secretary to mislay them if they would not cooperate. General Gurung categorically asked the editors to stop the publication and broadcasting of Maoists announcements and propaganda, and reports sapping the army's morale. Referring to the news media, which to him was getting out of control in the name of democracy and freedom, General Gurung said editors should not be afraid in case of cooperation.
New York Times

February 6, 2005
KATHMANDU: Tara Nath Dahal, president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) was arrested following the state of emergency declared on February 1. He was trying to enter the UN offices to seek asylum. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called upon the international community to support Nepalese journalists.
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

February 7, 2005
KATHMANDU: During the reports, of his arrest, Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) president, Tara Nath Dahal, said he evaded security forces and was in hiding. In a letter to the president of International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Dahal called the situation in Nepal critical and asked for more pressure from the outside world. He said in a statement that army had been standing outside his house and the FNJ office since February 3 and harassing and threatening his family. Analysing the media situation, he said that all media houses were closed and almost 30,000 media employees had lost their jobs. Condemning the king's effort to censor media and arrest of those who refused to accept the coup, IFJ president, Christopher Warren, said "the crisis in Nepal is continuing to deepen."
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

February 7, 2005
KATHMANDU: The royal palace press secretariat issued decrees against press freedom and civil rights. One decree to security officers to monitor electronic media including radio, fax, telephone, television and email, and prohibited any publicity they deem unfit. Another order authorised local administrators to withhold the citizens' movable and immovable property after paying compensation. Permission from the Regional Administrator or Chief District Officer or a designated officer was made necessary for holding conferences, workshops, meetings and interaction programmes without undermining the kingdom's sovereignty and integrity. The order disallowed any direct or indirect comment on the security forces, which could harm their morale.
The Rising Nepa

February 7, 2005
KATHMANDU: The security forces seized the press of four newspapers Rashtriya Samata, Punarjagaran, Tajakhabar, and Ruperkha following the royal move.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 8, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu District Court fined Kamana publication and Pushkarlal Shrestha, the publisher of Nepal Samacharpatra daily, Rs 6,000 for defaming then chief of Bagmati and Narayani Zonal Public Service Inspection and Monitoring Team, Bharat Jangam. The court ordered the publisher to pay Rs 5,000 as a compensation to Jangam and Rs 1,000 as fine.
The Himalayan Times

February 8, 2005
DHARAN: The security forces confiscated "Blast", a vernacular daily tabloid; after it refused to publish the content censored by security forces.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 8, 2005
LAHORE: South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) demanded release of journalists, lifting of curbs on press freedom, and restoration of all communication links in Nepal. Taking serious note of the blanket censorship, Imtiaz Alam, Secretary General of SAFMA, called upon the journalists, human rights organisations and all democratic forces to protest against the crackdown on the press. Condemning the suspension of fundamental rights following the royal move, Mr. Alam asked the SAFMA national chapters in South Asia to raise their voice in solidarity with their Nepalese colleagues and hand over protest letters to the ambassador of Nepal in each country.
South Asian Free Media Foundation (SAFMA)

February 9, 2005
DHANKUTA: The district administration office permitted newspapers to restart publication, which was suspended after the declaration of emergency in Nepal. Addressing an interaction, Sambhu Prasad Ghimire, the Chief District Officer of Dhankuta, urged journalists to favour restoring peace and discourage terrorism in news.
The Himalayan Times

February 9, 2005
KATHMANDU: As many as 1,000 radio journalists went jobless after the government on February 2 directed all FM radio stations not to broadcast news bulletins restricting their programmes to entertainment only. Fifty-six stations had acquired broadcasting licenses and 41 were in operation among them. Though King Gyanendra in the proclamation stated "an independent press serves as medium for raising the level of democratic consciousness".

All FM stationsbarring Hits FM (Kathmandu), FM Adhyatma Jyoti (Kathmandu) and a few othershad been giving top priority to news broadcasts. Ghamaraj Luitel, general secretary of the 'Forum of FM Broadcasters', said each news broadcasting FM station had an independent news department with five to 16 news personnel. A significant number of FM stations had also appointed correspondents in districts around 90 correspondents were working for Kantipur FM only in other districts. Around 500 persons working in FM newsrooms, coupled with some 500 working in the districts, were directly affected by the government decision. Bishwa Shankar Palikhe, president of Annapurna FM (Pokhara), said FM stations were left with no other option, but to lay off workers. Communication Corner (Lalitpur), an FM station providing news programmes to 11 FM stations across the country halted all its programmes following the government orders.
Kantipur Online

February 9, 2005
RUPANDEHI: Except for Daily Lumbini, local dailies-- Jana Sangharsha, Mechi Kali Sandesh, Bhawana and Butwal Today-- resumed publication after a few days suspension. Following an agreement between security officers and journalists, no article against the spirit of the royal proclamation would be published.
The Himalayan Times

February 9, 2005
KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) in a press statement signed by its president, Tara Nath Dahal who was in hiding, slammed the government for not acting for press freedom despite protests and pressures from national and international organisations.

Raising voice for the release of FNJ general secretary, Bishnu Nishthuri, the FNJ called the situation tyrannical, Mr. Dahal referred to the surveillance of security intelligence at FNJ head office, especially targeting its office-bearers. Deploring the state's attempt to stifle press freedom through harassing and intimidating journalists, Mr. Dahal appealed all journalists to report such incidents to the FNJ.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 10, 2005
KATHMANDU: The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) expressed serious concern over the status of community radios in Nepal following the February 1 political change. The AMARC appealed to the government of Nepal to remove ban on community radios to broadcast news and current affairs programmes.
The Himalayan Times

February 11, 2005
SURKHET: Three dailies and four weeklies published from Surkhet resumed their publication after an agreement between local administration and representatives of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ).

Chief District Officer Tilak Ram Sharma denied imposing of any censorship imposed on the papers, but said, the local administration wanted to see the papers before they went to the press to censor any news against the spirit of royal proclamation. Meanwhile, a report from Gulmi said that four weeklies--Naya Janmat, Sajha Bichar, Gulmi Times and Resunga Shikhar Sandeshwere yet to resume publication because the local administration had not permitted them.
The Kathmandu Post

The petition rejected any ground to arrest Nisthuri, who is a journalist and fights for democracy, press freedom and rule of law. The petitioner also requested Supreme Court to order authorities to produce Nisthuri before the court. The petitioner claimed of violating his fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 11, 12(1), and 14(4)(5)(6) and detaining him without a detention notice.

Responding to a habeas corpus petition, the Supreme Court on February 15 ordered the government authorities to submit written explanations within three days why Nisthuri was kept in detention. Senior advocate Bishow Kanta Mainali, Sher Bahadur KC, Tika Ram Bhattarai, Ishwori Bhattarai and Shanta Sedain sought the apex court order for Nisthuri's release saying there was no ground to detain him.
The Himalayan Times

February 12, 2005
KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) central executive committee raised a few points in favour of press freedom and against censorship and suspension of fundamental rights. The FNJ warned of agitation if government did not pay attention to these issues. It demanded an end to the army deployment, censorship and interference. It sought release of all detained journalists including FNJ general secretary Bishnu Nishthuri ending vigilance on them. FNJ asked revoking prohibition on the publication and sale of newspapers, especially outside the Kathmandu and the restrictions on news and news-based programmes of FM radio stations. The FNJ also demanded for the restoration of all communication links, including mobile phones.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 13, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) appealed to the world media to create public opinion against press censorship in Nepal. The FNJ expressed concern over the fate of more than 1,000 journalists laid off since King Gyanendra sacked the Sher Bahadur Deuba government on February 1. The appeal pushed the world media to express that media censorship would be detrimental to setting up a democratic government, promised by the monarchy. Citing the arrest of two journalists from Daang, the appeal said that king's officials were violating human rights even after the king's assurance that human rights were to be observed in all circumstances.
New Kerala

February 13, 2005
CHITWAN: Security personnel arrested Narayan Adhikari working for Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) and Basanta Parajuli associated with Gorkhapatra Daily for 'necessary interrogation'. They were released on March 1.
The Kathmandu Post, Federation of Nepalese Journalists

February 13, 2005
KATHMANDU: Senior journalists and representatives from various FM radio stations including state-run radio Nepal urged the government to ensure their right to broadcast news and informative programmes. Speaking at a function organised by Reporters' Club Nepal, Tapanath Sukla, executive director of Radio Nepal, said the government lacked of proper policies on providing license to FM radios and devalued any reason for banning news and informative programmes.

Former president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Suresh Acharya, said the government banning news on FM and seeking media cooperation simultaneously was contradictory. Prabhat Rimal of Kantipur FM said FM radios were abiding by the regulations, but the government failed to effectively monitor them resulting into over 1200 to 1500 journalists facing layoffs. Estimating the financial loss due to the government decision, Gopal Guragain of Communication Corner, said that more than Rs 30 million investment in private FM radios was in a jeopardy.
The Kathmandu Post

February 14, 2005
SINDHULI: Weekly Prakash was ordered closed by security forces. Navaraj Timalsina, its editor, said the security officials ordered stopping of the publication when the newspaper was ready to go for printing. The Chief District Officer in Sindhuli issued an order against the Singuli Times, Sindhul, and Janaprabhat weeklies to stop publishing until further orders.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 15, 2005
KAVERE: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Kavere branch, east of Kathmandu, said no weekly or daily could be published following the February 1 royal move. In a statement, the branch president said the journalists were compelled to migrate to other places due to job uncertainty.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 15, 2005
KATHMANDU: The security forces arrested D R Panta, a correspondent of Kantipur Daily, Dadeldhura branch.
Kantipur Online

February 16, 2005
KATHAMNDU: Security forces detained Khem Bhandari, editor of Abhiyan daily, published from Mahendranagar. They rounded up Bhandari from the western town for publishing reports on political parties' protest rallies. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) said he was released later.
Kantipur Online, Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 16, 2005
KATHAMNDU: Christopher Warren, the president of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), assured the Nepalese press of international solidarity and support. Warren, who was on a fact-finding-mission, met with Nepalese journalists and expressed the concern of international press over the hardships the Nepalese press was facing. Calling this tough time challenging, he urged the press to be responsible.
Kantipur Online

February 16, 2005
KATHMANDU: Security forces arrested Sujb Bajarachrya working with Sandhakalin City Times. He was released on February 21.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 16, 2005
SAPTRI: Shivahari Bhattarai, editor of Suchana Weekly, reportedly faced pressure to close the weekly.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 16, 2005
NEW YORK: The Nepalese army was preventing local journalists and rights activists from publicising abuses by the military or criticising any government action. Brad Adams, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, said the army's clampdown on Nepalese media was more than a matter of free speech. Journalists and human rights activists in Pokhara, about 150 kilometers west of Kathmandu, said that they could not report on the army's crackdown on students at the Prithwi Narayan University campus on February 1. In this attack, one student was shot in the leg and 58 were detained and beaten while in custody. HRW called upon the king to immediately lift these restrictions on the media, and return the military to civilian control."
Human Rights Watch

February 18, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) expressed concern over the state of media following the recent political change. The UN Information Centre issued a press statement in Kathmandu, in which director general Koichiro Matsura described the move a "serious setback".

The statement said that press freedom like other fundamental freedoms, is indispensable for a properly functioning society and declared the survival of Nepal difficult in the absence of fundamental rights, democracy and the multi-party system. New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in a letter to the Nepalese ambassador in Washington, voiced concern over curtailment of freedom of press in Nepal. CPJ urged the Nepalese government to restore press freedom immediately.
The Himalayan Times

February 19, 2005
KATHAMNDU: President of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Taranath Dahal, accused the State of either blacking out information or using media as its propaganda tool. In a statement issued on the Democracy Day he flayed the government for ignoring international appeals and expressed concern over the detention of a number of journalists, including FNJ general secretary Bishnu Nishthuri, publisher and editor of Sandhyakalin City Times Sujiv Bajracharya, and other reporters affiliated with state-owned Gorkhapatra daily and Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS). Basanta Parajuli of Gorkhapatra and RSS representative, both from Chitwan, were sentenced for three months without any reason.
The Himalayan Times

February 20, 2005
KATHMANDU: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Christopher Warren, at the end of a fact-finding-mission concluded that the incumbent regime was involved in "unacceptable repression of journalists' right to freedom of expression and freedom of association." Demanding immediate release of five detained journalists, Warren debunked the army's claim of not arresting journalists "other than for political activity".

The journalists now believed to be in detention were Narayan Adhikari, Basanta Parajuli, DR Panta, Khem Bhandari and Sujeev Bajracharya. While Adhikari, Parajuli, Panta were reporters of the RSS, Gorkhapatra and Kantipur, based in Chitwan and Dadeldhura, Bhandari and Bajracharya were editors of Abhiyan, published from Mahendranagar, and Sandhyakalin, and Kathmandu respectively. The mission also identified instances of "extreme measures of censorship, army censors, closure of FM radio news broadcasts and random arrest of journalists as violation of the right to information. Warren flayed the idea of setting up a Media Commission as something which could cause long-term damage.

Discussing the security concern after the widespread closure of many areas of Nepal, Warren said that half the newspapers, which used to hit the stands prior to the royal move, had ceased to do so. Expressing concern about the job losses in media, Warren said the remaining newspapers were forced to face reduction in sizes and financial crisis to cease their survival. Warren called the international community to cut military assistance to Nepal.
The Himalayan Times

February 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: Security forces arrested Anil Tiwari, editor of Ankush daily, Parsa, from his office. Eyewitnesses said the security forces took him away for what they called interrogation. He was released the same day.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: Protesting against the curb on press freedom, Weekly Sangue left its editorial space blank, saying that they had been deprived of freedom. Kavir Rana of Deshantar and Rajendra Vaid of Bimarsh were interrogated.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: Soldiers held Swaagat Nepal in detention, a reporter and columnist for the daily "Nepal Samacharpatra", for more than 14 hours. Plainclothes soldiers forced the journalist into a jeep where he was interrogated the whole night. The soldiers questioned him about his links with Maoist publications, such as "Janadesh". He was released on February 22. Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) on February 25 denounced the mistreatment.
Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF)

February 22, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) urged the Nepal government to withdraw the prohibitions and allow freedom of expression. It also requested the international community and donors to freeze aid to Nepal and "ties with the RNA and other security bodies."
The Himalayan Times

February 22, 2005
PARSA: Dependra Chauhan, publisher of Ankush daily, was threatened over publishing a cartoon and ”other news".
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 22, 2005
KATHMANDU: Indian Ambassador Shiv Shanker Mukherjee asked Nepal to lift all curbs on press immediately, emphasising on an end to blocking Indian news channels and Nepal One, Delhi-based Nepali language channel, Indian news agency PTI quoted. Expressing grave concern over discriminately targeting Indian joint venture establishments, including the UTL (Wireless Telephone Service), Ambassador said Nepal should avoid doing so.
Kantipur Online

February 22, 2005
KATHMANDU: Army personnel arrested Arjun Prasad Shah, editor of Batabaran Weekly, from Saptari district. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) on March 3 demanded the release of Arjun Prasad Shah.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Asia Pacific Media Network

February 22, 2005
KATHMANDU: Army personnel arrested Monohar Pokharel, editor of Jana Aakrosh and detained him in Saptari district. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) on March 3 demanded his immediate release in a press statement.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 24, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Baman Prasad Neupane, summoned the editors and publishers of five vernacular weeklies to inquire about the blank spaces they had left on some pages of their publications.

Neupane had written to the Crime Investigation Branch of the District Police Office, Hanumandhoka, and four other ward police stations to ensure that Kabir Rana, editor and publisher of Deshantar Weekly; Rajendra Baidhya, editor and publisher of Bimarsha Weekly; Gopal Budhathoki, editor of Sanghu Weekly; Navaraj Timilsina, executive editor of Prakash Weekly and Shashidhar Bhandari, executive editor of Hank Weekly at his office on February 17.
The Himalayan Times

February 25, 2005
KOHOLPUR: Around 700 Maoists vandalised Nepal Television's regional programme production and broadcasting centre, inflicting damage of around Rs 70 million and set fire to the station before fleeing. NTV regional station head Man Bahadur Ghale said they kept on carting off machines from the centre for about two hours after cutting the telephone line. The centre was producing and broadcasting programmes of one-and-a-half hour duration between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily.
The Himalayan Times

February 26, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The Kathmandu District Administration Office released nine detainees, including two ministers in the former Sher Bahadur Deuba government, in the presence of the Kathmandu District Court judge. Most of them had been taken into preventive detention or placed under house arrest immediately after the royal takeover under the Peace and Security Act.

Those released were former ministers Homnath Dahal of the Nepali Congress (Democratic) and Astha Laxmi Shakya of the CPN-UML, Prof Lokraj Baral, UML leader Pradip Nepal, general secretary of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists Bishnu Nisthuri, former president of University Teachers' Association Khagendra Bhattarai, former lawmaker from the Nepali Congress, Shiva Basnet, NC leader Nona Koirala, and CPN-ML general secretary C P Mainali.
Nepalnews

February 26, 2005
KATHMANDU: Army personnel arrested Narayan Shah working with Drishti Weekly, Rukum. He was released after three-hour detention.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

February 27, 2005
KATHMANDU: The District Administration Office (DAO) of Banke directed local journalists not to report activities of political parties. The DAO banned the media from publishing any report of foreign news agencies about Nepali politics and insurgency in Nepal and India. According to the directive, any loss caused by Maoists to the citizens could be reported, but the one to the government could not be. The directive said security forces would verify the Maoists activities before being reported.
The Kathmandu Post

February 28, 2005
KATHMANDU: Various professional organisations in a joint statement demanded an immediate release of professors, journalists and human rights activists who had been detained 'illegally'.
The Himalayan Times

March 1, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The government prohibited the media from disseminating any information or publishing security news without security forces permission. The Ministry of Communication and Information in a press communiqué said any news, interview, information, article and opinion supporting terrorism and subverting activities would be liable to punishment under Press and Publication Act-2048 BS and National Broadcasting Act-2049 BS. In the meanwhile, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Bavan Prasad Neupane, asked editors to comply with the government directives while covering security matters.
Kantipur Online

March 2, 2005
NEW YORK: The government directed editors of four weeklies to replace the word "Maoist" with "terrorist" or face punishment. The weeklies, including Jana Astha, were forced to change large portions of their text to comply with the order. The Ministry of Information and Communication also issued a new notice banning media from publishing or broadcasting news related to the Maoist insurgency that was not from security sources. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Executive Director, Ann Cooper, expressed concern over the government continuous throttling of independent press, which exposed the journalists and citizens to more risks.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

March 3, 2005
KATHMANDU: Six professional organisations in Nepal decided to take coordinated initiatives to ensure peace and democracy. In a meeting, Nepal Bar Association, Nepal Engineers Association, Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Nepal Medical Association, and Nepal University Teachers Association, resolved to consolidate their activities.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

March 3, 2005
KATHMANDU: The International Press Institute (IPI)--a global network of editors, media executives and journalists--urged the Nepal government to revoke legal restrictions aimed at controlling the practice of journalism and obstructing the principle of the right to "seek, receive and impart information, regardless of frontiers". The IPI, in a letter to the Minister of Information and Communication, Tanka Dhakal, called any restriction a breach of the right to freedom of expression and press freedom protected by Articles 12 and 13 of Nepal's Constitution, which must be resisted. Warning of the serious impact on the financial security of FM stations, IPI voiced concern over the ban on broadcasting news by these stations.
The Himalayan Times

March 3, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Information and Communication suspended giving advertisements under the Lok Kalyankari Kosh (Public Welfare Fund) to all newspapers, and the disbursement of promised money of 3 million to the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) for the welfare of conflict-hit journalists, Narayan Gopal Malego, Director General at the Department of Information said. This decision mostly affected the vernacular weeklies and newspapers published from outside Kathmandu.

The former government on October 12, 2004 had unveiled an 11-point media policy doubling subsidies provided as advertisement to weeklies and mofussil papers giving Rs 12,000 for Grade "A" papers, Rs 8,000 for Grade "B" papers, Rs. 6,000 for Grade "C" and Rs 4,000 for Grade "D" papers each month.
The government refused to give this facility to the newspapers which violated the code of conduct. However, Malego did not specify the reasons behind the restrictions on government advertisements to these newspapers.
The Kathmandu Post

March 3, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) protested the searching of the house of Kiran Pokhrel, its central representative and reporter of The Himalaya Times. In a statement, the FNJ asked the government to focus on creating an environment of trust instead of intimidating press.
Asia Pacific Media Network

March 3, 2005
NEW YORK: Security forces in the eastern district of Panchther arrested Labadev Dungana, executive editor of the Panchther Times, district correspondent for Rajdhani daily and president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Panchther district branch, FNJ reported.

Officials accused Dungana of violating public security after he reported student protests against the king's proclamation.In custody, there were Arjun Prasad Shah, editor of Batabaran weekly and Monohar Pokhrel, editor of Jana Aakrosh weekly, and two FNJ representatives in the southern district of Saptari since February 22.

Security forces had been holding D. R. Panta, local correspondent of the Kantipur daily, in the district of Dadeldhura since February 15. Following the arrest of Labadev Dungana, the Dhankuta chapter of the FNJ issued a press release on February 6 requesting the government to free journalists from house arrest. The press statement also called on the government to secure freedom of the press and protect journalists.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on March 7 demanded immediate release of Labadev. IFJ president, Christopher Warren, called it an utter contempt that the Gyanendra regime holds for free speech and human rights in general.

Praising the work of journalists like Dungana despite the presence of soldiers to induce a climate of fear, IFJ said journalists were trying hard to keep their community informed even through publishing an underground newspaper.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), The Himalayan Times, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

March 3, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu district administration, Baman Prasad Neupan, questioned Indra Rijal and Suneel Sharma, owner and editor of the weekly Rashtriya, about an article on Nepalese police action.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

March 4, 2005
KATHMANDU: Police arrested Kamal Koirala, editor of Weekly Roadmap and leader of Nepal Communist Party-UML. He was detained at the Hanuman Dhoka Police Station Kathmandu, but released on March 9.
New Kerala, Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

March 4, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu district administration, Baman Prasad Neupan, summoned Surya Thapa, editor of Budhabar weekly, on March 4 and 7, demanding an explanation about an article under the headline "Five parties united against authoritarianism". If found guilty of publishing banned news, he could face up to one year in prison under the press law.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

March 7, 2005
KATHMANDU: Parsa district FM radio station again started its transmission suspended due to the removal of its transmitter by security forces.
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper called the arrest of Dixit "another severe blow to the ideals of democracy and press freedom". Considering the conditions dire for press despite the international pressure, CPJ called for the immediate release of all journalists in detention.

In an open letter posted online shortly after the takeover, Kanak Dixit called King Gyanendra's move "drastic and ill-advised." Nepal security forces released Kanak Mani Dixit after detaining him for nearly five hours.

BBC quoted Dixit saying that the police interrogated about his recent visit to India and asked whether he had tried to meet Nepalese Maoist leaders based in India. The government authorities, however, gave no reason for arresting him.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Federation of Nepalese Journalists, New Kerala

March 8, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The police arrested Ashish Sarraf, a photo-journalist in Janakpur, southern Nepal for taking pictures of a programme organised by political parties. He was released the same day, the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) reported. Rishiram Pokhrel, editor of weekly Tanahun Awaj, Damauli, was also arrested for attending a similar programme in the western district of Tanahun.
New Kerala

March 9, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The International Press Institute (IPI)--a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists--expressed concern over "continuing problems" for journalists and said limitation of press freedom and other basic human rights would only prevent the government's ability to ensure security and peace.

In a statement, IPI urged King Gyanendra to withdraw any "restrictions" imposed on the press, recalling the King's recent assurances to some senior journalists that no restrictions would be imposed on the press, except the issues related to terrorism.
The Himalayan Times

March 9, 2005
KATHMANDU: Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist--CPN-UML) and 14 human rights organisations demanded the government to stop attacks on the press and journalists while expressing serious concern over the ongoing censorship of media. In a separate statement, the party also accused government authorities of summoning journalists daily to collect statements for publishing news and views, and harassing them.

In the meanwhile, human rights organisations
in a joint statement demanded release of detained leaders, human rights activists and journalists which they dubbed as violation of the basic and universal principles of human rights. Although government spokesperson, Minister for Information and Communications, Tanka Dhakal, claimed of having no media censorship, but accepted the arrest of journalists and editors and summoning them for clarifications over news and views.
The Kathmandu Post

March 9, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Maoists abducted J. B. Pun Magar, a staff reporter of the fortnightly Himal Khabarpatrika, when he left for Lumbini to cover the recent strife between villagers of Kapilvastu and the Maoists. Rajendra Dahal, editor of Himal, said the Maoists allowed Pun to call back at the office in Kathmandu to tell that he was in custody. Appealing to the Maoists for Pun's immediate release, Dahal said that the efforts were underway to secure his safe and early release.

Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) on March 10 condemned the kidnapping of investigative reporter JB Pun Magar. The organisation called on the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) to free Magar, recalling that Maoists leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara ordered his troops to release all journalists they were holding in September 2004.

J. B. Pun Magar was released on March 11 after three days detention. Dahal said Pun told him about the possibility of not being abducted by the militants, but by those who had been resisting the insurgents in southwestern Nepal. The abductors blindfolded and interrogated Magar, and warned him to "be careful" in his reporting.
Kantipur Online, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

March 10, 2005
KATHMANDU: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) urged the government to release Surya Thapa, the editor of Budhabar weekly. The IFJ expressed concern over the summoning of editors of five weeklies to explain why they left their opinion pages blank after the royal move. Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) also expressed concern over the arrest of six journalists in two weeks citing Lavadev Dhungana, editor of the daily Panchthar Times and urged the officials to stop arrests and summons.
The Himalayan Times

March 10, 2005
KATHMANDU: Kedar Chauhan, editor of the local weekly "Rashtriya Samacharpatra" and a reporter for the regional daily "Darshan", was injured when a bomb planted by Maoists exploded under the body of a man in Rajghat, eastern district of Morang.Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF)

March 11, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) claimed of facing direct censorship in districts outside Kathmandu. It said the weekly tabloids were forced by administrators to comply with their interest while covering news and views in Kathmandu.
New Kerala

March 11, 2005
KATHMANDU: Nepal's newspapers found a new way to convey their message to their readers through cartoons after the royal government imposed direct censorship. But Rajesh KC, cartoonist working for Kantipur, with other cartoonists was trying to illustrate with sketches what cannot be said in words. Valuing the role of cartoonists in this situation, he said they put an effort to do what journalists were restricted from doing. One cartoon showed a journalist faxing his story and a government censor hiding under the table, reading the story as it was fed through the machine. Another portrayed a father scolding his son for cutting apart the newspaper, with his wife explaining it was not the child's fault because the newspaper itself had shrunk.
Taipei Times

March 11, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) in a meeting decided to hold the federation's general convention on May 3 and 4 on the theme of 'peace and democracy for press freedom. The meeting discussed the political situation of the country and limitation of the freedom of expression imposed on the press in the emergency. Resolving to carry out peaceful programmes, the meeting also decided to provide free legal assistance on behalf of the FNJ to the journalists who had lost their jobs or were affected by the state of emergency.
Nepal News

March 13, 2005
KATHMANDU: The police arrested Ganesh Lama, a reporter for weekly Janaprahar, and detained him at the Ward Police Station at Kamalpokhari.
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)

March 13, 2005
PANCHTHAR: Chief District Officer of the eastern hilly district of Panchthar sentenced Laba Dev Dhungana, Panchthar district president of Federation of Nepalese Journalist (FNJ), to a three-month detention under the Public Security Act, 2046 B. S. Denouncing the government decision, FNJ president Taranath Dahal said they would challenge the decision in the Appellate Court in eastern region.

The FNJ decided to observe a day for 'Freedom of Expression' on March 16 and appealed its members, rights organisations and free expression groups to send faxes to the Prime Minister's Office at Singha Durbar demanding the release of all detained journalists, withdrawal of the state of emergency and restoration of press freedom.
Nepal News

March 14, 2005
NEW YORK: Sarad Adhikari, a correspondent for Channel Nepal, was detained in the western district of Dang while covering the protests staged against King Gyanendra's February 1 dismissal of the multiparty government and declaration of the state of emergency. The protest was followed by a crackdown on protesters leading to hundreds of arrests nationwide. Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) said Mr. Adhikari might be held for three months.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

March 14, 2005
DAMAK: Security personnel manhandled Rupak De Chaudhary, a photojournalist of Reuters in Kakarbhitta for taking photographs of a demonstration by political parties. Security personnel beat him causing head bruises even after he showed his identity card. The security personnel detained him at area police office and released him after three hours. Following the incident, over 30 Indian journalists organised a two-hour wheel jam over the Mechi River bridge, in protest.
The Kathmandu Post

March 15, 2005
DANG: District police office Dang sent five persons, including a correspondent of Channel Nepal, Sharad Adhikari, to jail for three months. They were arrested from Damodar Chowk at the district headquarters on the charge of disobeying law. Various political parties and media organisations demanded the release of journalist Adhikari and other activists.
The Himalayan Times

March 15, 2005
KATHAMNDU: Unidentified gunmen shot and injured Khagendra Shrestha, editor of Dharan Today, at his office. In a statement, the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) said Shrestha, who received two bullet injuries, was in a serious condition and undergoing treatment at the local B.P Koirala Medical Institute. Police could not make any headway in the investigation. Condemning the attack, the FNJ demanded the government to identify the criminals and take immediate action against them.
He died on March 30 in a hospital of Siliguri. Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) on April 4 expressed dismay at the death of Shrestha. RSF called on the Nepalese authorities to probe into the matter besides urging Maoists to explain their actions in view of their implication in the killing. The security forces believed Maoists were behind the shooting, but the Maoists did not claim the responsibility.
Nepalnews, Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF)

March 16, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) called upon the government to ensure freedom of expression in the country. FNJ president, Taranath Dahal told Nepalnews that a memorandum was handed over to the Prime Minister's Office, FNJ branches, journalists' organisations and respective CDO offices across the country demanding immediate end of media censorship. Meanwhile, the Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) pointed out four countries China (with 27 journalists imprisoned), Cuba (21), Eritrea (13) and Nepal (9) as the world's biggest prisons for the journalists.
Asia Pacific Media Network, Nepalnews

March 17, 2005
KATHMANDU: Kathmandu police summoned Narayan Wagle, editor of Kantipur, the largest circulating private sector daily-- known for its editorial independence and critical judgment-- for some clarification on a story published in the newspaper. Police handed over a letter to Wagle on March 16 saying that he should report to the 'Criminal Investigation Department' of the District Police Office at Hanumandhoka without citing any particular story. Sources said that the police may inquire Wagle about the front-page reports in its March 15 newspaper stating that 750 protesters around the country were detained on March 14 while taking part in peaceful demonstrations calling for restoration of peace and democracy. Chief District Officer of Kathmandu summoned editors of half a dozen weeklies seeking clarification from them on news items published in their papers and for leaving the editorial page blank. Jorg Frieden, country director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) told journalists in Kathmandu that the next two weeks would be crucial for Nepal referring to the on-going 61st session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in the Swiss capital.

Responding to a letter issued by DSP Hari Bahadur Pal, Wagle went to the district police office on March 18 along with dozens of journalists. After an almost 45-minute-long meeting with superintendent of police Indra Prasad Neupane, Wagle told the journalists that the police asked him about the report on the political leaders and activists being arrested during the anti-King protests held throughout Nepal on March 14. The police said the report was against the spirit of the February 1 royal takeover, he said. Calling it harassment of the press, Wagle told the police that it was not the authoritative body to question the contents of a newspaper.
Nepalnews, The Himalayan Times

March 17, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The government prohibited publication of interviews, articles, news, information, reading materials, opinions or personal views that directly or indirectly abet terrorism against the intent and the spirit of the royal proclamation. The Home Ministry notice said the government would act against anyone who published the prohibited matter in contravention of the notice under the Press and Publication Act-2048 BS.
Kantipuronline

March 17, 2005
KATHMANDU: A five-member fact-finding mission of the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) arrived in the Nepalese capital aimed at having the first hand knowledge and official version of the press situation. During its five-day stay in Nepal, the mission, led by SAFMA Secretary General Imtiaz Alam, would meet journalists, representatives of media bodies, human rights activists, lawyers, government officials and members of donor community. The mission had requested for an appointment with Home Minister Dan Bahadur Shahi on March 18. It would also hold a roundtable discussion with journalists and human rights activists. The SAFMA team comprised SAFMA India president KK Katyal, SAFMA Bangladesh general secretary Zahidiuzaman Farooq, Nihal Singh of India and Nasir Malick of Pakistan.
Nepalnews

March 20, 2005
KATHMANDU: Maoists killed Dhan Bahadur Roka, news reader of Kham language service in the state-owned Radio Nepal, in October 2004, after holding him captive for more than a year. Roka was reportedly killed in Khawang VDC, on the border between Rukum and Rolpa. FNJ condemned the killing of the journalist who was abducted from Surkhet. Human Rights and Peace Society and Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES) on March 22 demanded the Maoists to explain the killing.
Kantipur Online, The Himalayan Times

March 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) in a statement said that the security forces had arrested Rajesh Chandra Raj Bhandari chairman of FNJ Baglung branch and Hari Narayan Gautam its secretary, while they were on their way to an interaction programme. Two other journalists, Dipendra Chauhan, managing editor of local daily Ankush and Gopal Brahi were arrested on March 18 in Birgunj. The six journalists already in detention were Lavadev Dhungana FNJ's Panchthar district chairman, Manohar Pokharel and Arjun Shah of Saptahari, D.R Pant of Dadeldhura, Rishiram Pokharel of Tanahun and Ganesh Lama of Kathmandu. Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES) on March 22 urged the government to release the journalists.
Kantipur Online, The Himalayan Times

March 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Pakistan-headquartered South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), a regional media watchdog, called for the restoration of press freedom and the right to information in Nepal. After a five-day fact-finding mission to Nepal, SAFMA issued a statement saying that the imposition of emergency rule was "symptomatic of the failure of state ... and breakdown of constitutional structures and rule of law." Mentioning the tyranny of censorship on media, SAFMA said that clauses and sub clauses under the Print, Publication and Broadcasting Act were imposed on media. Expressing concern for the safety of journalists especially living and working outside Kathmandu, SAFMA said the sword of uncertainty was hanging on the media.
Kathmandu Online

March 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) and the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on forming a joint coordination committee, a joint journalism vigilance group, and a data collection group in all the five development regions. SAFMA website would be made available to FNJ, in which news and articles banned in the Nepalese media would be put. Taranath Dahal on behalf of FNJ and Gopal Thapaliya on behalf of SAFMA signed the MoU before the return of the five-member fact-finding mission led by Imtiaz Alam, secretary general of SAFMA. The preliminary report prepared by SAFMA put forward demands for easing the atmosphere for the press to work, immediate release of the ten journalists in detention, and asked the rebelling side to guarantee the security of the journalists, and to allow them to work without any hindrance.
The Rising Nepal

March 22, 2005
KATHMANDU: Human Rights and Peace Society in a meeting called on the government to end the state of emergency, lift censorship on press, restore democracy, and allow free movement of individuals. Terming the February 1 royal move against the spirit of human rights and democracy, the meeting asked the government to release Krishna Pahadi, the founding chairperson. The meeting also asked the Maoists not to organise blockades and strikes and urged them to stop abducting teachers, students and politicians.
The Himalayan Times

March 22, 2005
KATHAMNDU: Birgunj District Administration issued 21-point stringent media directive to the local media prohibiting media from publishing any news story that directly or indirectly discouraged civil servants from performing their duties and responsibilities. It also banned publication of any 'vulgar story that goes against public norms and sentiments'. Mukund Acharya, the editor of a local daily 'Ankush' said they would continue to work as before the royal move despite directives.
Kantipur Online

March 23, 2005
NEW DELHI: Journalists in Nepal found the alternative source of imparting news and information through outspoken web logs and blogs to bypass tight censorship imposed on the freedom of press after February 1 royal move. Dinesh Wagle, a newspaper journalist who runs United We Blog, said their survival, intellectually and mentally, depended on freedom. In an email interview, he said he began blogging for a peaceful and democratic Nepal. United We Blog! and another popular blog, the anonymous Radio Free Nepal published interviews with arrested political leaders and news about anti-king protests which the mainstream media could not publish. United We Blog! and Radio Free Nepal were aimed at highlighting the country's plights to the outside world. The mushrooming cyberworld established a place rapidly inviting people to widen its circle like Wagle, coordinator of the art and style section of Kantipur, the leading Nepali language daily, had his own website (www.wagle.com.np).
Calcutta Telegraph

March 24, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) set up a fund for providing a lump sum amount to families of the journalists who were taken into preventive detention after the February 1 royal takeover. In a press statement, Bishnu Nishthuri, FNJ general secretary, announced financial assistance for the medical treatment of Khagendra Shrestha, editor of Dharan Today. The FNJ and Human Rights and Peace Society demanded the government to immediately and unconditionally release 10 journalists working for various newspapers.
The Himalayan Times

March 24, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu district administration office issued arrest warrant against Rajesh Kumar Batala and Chandra Rawal editor and assistant editor of a vernacular weekly, Kasthamandap Express. The ward police office Lainchaur said both were not registered with the Press Council of Nepal and Mohan Prasad Upadhyay Sharma was found registered as the editor at the Press Council.
The Himalayan Times

March 27, 2005
TANAHU: Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, Durga Shrestha, said journalists were free to write and publish any kind of news. Speaking at a programme organised by the Reporters' Club in Damauli, she said the government did not bar the journalists from writing any kind of news, but they should be objective and encouraging.

Replying to a query on a ban on FM news broadcast, Shrestha said FM stations were spreading terror by transmitting exaggerated version of events.
The Himalayan Times

March 29, 2005
KATHMANDU: About 200 journalists defied a ban on protests to march through Kathmandu demanding restoration of press freedom curbed since February 1 royal move. Riot police stood guard as reporters, editors and photographers waved banners seeking the release of 13 journalists.

Tara Nath Dahal, president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), expressed the resolution to continue the struggle until there is complete press freedom. In a statement, he said Nepali journalists would have to fight for complete democracy, press freedom and human rights. Political parties and human rights groups said hundreds of politicians, journalists and human rights activists were under detention since Gyanendra assumed power on February 1.
Reuters

March 31, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged King Gyanendara to release imprisoned journalists, terming the detention unacceptable and a disturbing indication of the risks faced by all reporters during the state of emergency, especially in rural areas. Showing concern over the deteriorating press conditions, the CPJ said it all happened despite king's commitment to democracy and free expression and his assurance that restrictions on the press were temporary. In its letter, the CPJ demanded the journalists to be allowed to serve the crucial role of watchdog against abuses by the government and Maoists.
Kantipuronline

April 4, 2005
CHITWAN: District Administration Office, Chitwan, interrogated three district reporters-Prabhakar Ghimire, Narayan Sharma and Khuman Singh Tamang of Kantipur Publications separately about a news item on torching of seven trucks by the Maoists. During the interrogation, acting Chief District Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police asked them about the news source and ordered them to verify the news from district administration or security source before reporting.
Kantipuronline

April 5, 2005
KATHMANDU: Security officers guarding CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal's house manhandled journalists who were there to cover Deuba's visit. The officers seized cameras of photojournalists and deleted all the pictures. The act sparked criticism from several media organisations and political parties including Nepali Congress, which in a statement termed it an "uncivilized and immoral" act, exposing the government attitude toward the press.
The Kathmandu Post

April 5, 2005
KATHMANDU: The state-run Radio Nepal began blocking news transmissions of BBC World Service that it had agreed to relay over 103 FM in Kathmandu without mentioning any reason. Radio Nepal started relaying the BBC World Service in November 2004 after entering into an agreement with BBC, which reportedly paid a hefty amount to Nepal Radio for hiring its FM frequency. The government had already barred over 50 FM radio stations in the country from airing news and current-affairs based programmes immediately after the imposition of the state of emergency on February 1. Launching FM relay in Kathmandu, Business Development Manager of the BBC for Asia and Pacific region, Michel Lobelle, hoped that the number of listeners would go up than 300,000 after the World Service programmes were launched over a local FM station. The successor of the then executive director of Radio Nepal, Shailendra Raj Sharma, could not be reached for comments. A British embassy official in Kathmandu refused to comment on the episode, saying he had not heard anything from the BBC yet in this regard.
Nepalnews

April 8, 2005
NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Nepalese government's abrupt decision of denying all advertisement to private media aimed at stifling critical coverage. A copy of a government memo reproduced on April 6 in the weekly Jana Aastha stated that the new directive ordered all government agencies to stop payment on advertisements except state run media. Information Minister Tanka Dhakal confirmed the government action and The Kathmandu Post reported Dhakal saying that they were thinking to give incentives to those media supporting nation and crown.

Local journalists told CPJ that the advertisement suspension would cause even more economic hardship for the Nepalese press. CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper while calling for the immediate repeal of this inequitable directive, said the ban was meant to punish media outlets critical to government.
Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF)

April 9, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Birgunj Police detained Kashinath Yadav, editor of Brahmastra daily and Rabindra Singh, correspondent of Kalaiya weekly, as they were going to cover protest by the political parties. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) said Krishna Prajapati, correspondent of Sandhya Times Daily, Kathmandu, was detained on April 7. Kamal Raj Regmi, who had been in detention, was now sent to jail giving some security reasons.

FNJ in a statement said the security forces warned the journalists associated with Blast Times and Morning Post in Dharan to stop covering news on political parties or face the consequences. Journalists Kishor Karki, Keshav Ghimere and Bimal Shakya were detained by the security forces for a day. The FNJ said it would discuss on April 10 government's suspension of its advertisements to private media.
Kantipuronline

April 9, 2005
TANAHU: The police questioned Ghanashyam Khadka, reporter of The Kathamndu Post, in Tanahu, regarding the news on political parties' demonstration and police intervention. Armed security personnel took him to District Police Office from his house where DSP Devilal Khanal and Inspector Himalaya Kumar Shrestha grilled him. The police reportedly asked him to retract the report in writing; however, Khadka refused, saying that the police were not the authoritative body to question him about news items. In the meanwhile, the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Tanahu, denounced the police act in a press release.
The Kathmandu Post

April 10, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) said it would soon start street protests against the government's decision to deny government advertisements to the private media. Speaking at an interaction organised by FNJ, Taranath Dahal, FNJ president, charged the government with initiating an economic blockade against all private media to carry its propaganda. Accusing the government of destroying media rather to protect and promote it, Mr. Dahal expressed surprise that private media entrepreneurs were yet not united against the government decision. Gopal Thapaliya, president of South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), Nepal, while reiterating the demand, asked the Information and Communication Minister Tanka Dhakal to define "nation, nationalism and crown". Minister Dhakal had recently said that the government would provide advertisements only to those media, which disseminate news in favour of the nation, nationalism and crown.

He urged the journalists to exhibit fortitude to face this challenge where FM radios suffered loss of 36 to 80 per cent in the form of advertisement. Analysing unity as a key force between publishers and journalists, Raghu Mainali, general secretary of Radio Broadcasting Association, suggested utilising unity to exert pressure on the government to retract its decision. Kishor Shrestha, editor of Jana Aastha, a Nepali language weekly, expressed concern over the government's plan to introduce anti-press laws, able to fine a journalist from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 100,000 in case they write any thing against any one in the government.
The Kathmandu Post

April 11, 2005
TANAHU: Robin Poudel, sub-editor of Aawaj weekly, Tanahun, was handed a warrant for 3-month detention under the Public Security Act, Article 3, 1. He was arrested from Damauli while reporting on protests demanding restoration of complete democracy.
The Kathmandu Post

April 12, 2005
KATHMANDU: FM radio broadcasters voiced concern over the government's decision to deny government advertisements to the private media, labelling it as a "ridiculous" step. The statement sought a clear stance of the ministry of information on banning the broadcast of news on FM, which challenged the concept of freedom of the press and the entire constitutional base.
The Himalayan Times

April 12, 2005
KATHAMNDU: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an international media watchdog, urged Nepal to stop imprisoning journalists and to free at least 10 journalists. The CPJ's findings, after a fact-finding mission to the kingdom, came as another media rights body, Reporters Without Borders, cited new cases of journalists being arrested and news media censored in Nepal. CPJ demanded an end to the ban on private FM radio stations broadcasting their own news. Calling the government crackdown a "devastating blow" to Nepal's vibrant private media, the CPJ resolved to disseminate its findings to Maoists militants.

Ann Cooper, CPJ executive director, said army spokesman had agreed in principle to look into any new allegations of military harassment of media professionals. RSF in a statement refused to accept the reasons given by the Nepalese authorities to justify this crackdown on the news media.
The Kathmandu Post

April 13, 2005
KATHMANDU: Senior journalists and representatives from media bodies called for unity to restore complete press freedom in the country. Tara Nath Dahal, president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), speaking at the 9th anniversary and annual general meeting of Sancharika Samuha, called democratic environment compulsory to ensure press freedom. Warning journalists to suffer more in absence of unity, Murari Sharma, president of Nepal Press Union, showed willingness to go hand-in-hand for the restoration of democracy. On the occasion, Sancharika Samuha issued a 10-point recommendation to the government and media organisations for journalists' welfare, which was reciprocated by Prakash Adhikari, general secretary of National Union of Journalists. The Samuha also urged the government to implement provisions, which were developed to increase women's participation in the media.
The Kathmandu Post

April 16, 2005
BIRATNAGAR: Tara Nath Dahal, president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), charged the government with wiping out the private media through imposing an economic blockade. Speaking at the 8th convention of the Morang branch of the FNJ, Dahal claimed that both the state and Maoists were targeting press freedom and also pointed out government's plan to introduce Acts related to press and publications to curb press freedom. Emphasising on the revival of democracy
Bishnu Nisthuri, FNJ general secretary, said the government was suppressing press freedom in the name of emergency where citizens could not obey the emergency orders when the state did not function according to the constitution.
The Kathmandu Post

April 17, 2005
KATHMANDU: Former Supreme Court Justice, Laxman Prasad Aryal, said the government crack-down on political parties, press and freedom of expression, and human rights movement, was guided with "malafide" intention of not allowing them to advocate in favour of people's sovereignty. Speaking at a programme on 'state of emergency and its impact on press freedom' organised by South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), Nepal, Aryal dubbed the decision of barring FM radio stations from airing news bulletins 'biased' as the Supreme Court, in its verdict, had ruled that both electronic and print media could enjoy equal rights.

On the occasion, Aryal launched a report "Media Monitor South Asia-2004" and a journal on "Press Freedom and Media Law" published by SAFMA Nepal. Human rights activist, Malla K Sundar, said the state of emergency and press censorship directly affected the political parties and media rather than the Maoist rebels. Former president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Suresh Acharya, Chairman of Nepal Bar Association Shambhu Thapa, senior journalists Harihar Birahi and P Kharel, human rights activists Purushotam Dahal and Sudip Pathak expressed serious concerns over the government's "illiberal policy" on media.
The Kathmandu Post

April 18, 2005
KATHMANDU: Taranath Dahal, president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), called upon journalists and media rights organisations to extend cooperation in the fight for press freedom, considering it essential to strengthen peace and democracy. Speaking at a seminar on 'Current status of journalism in the districts', organised to mark the 4th anniversary of the Purba Saptahik, at Lahan, Dahal asked the journalists not to use the mass media for one-sided propaganda. Serving the civil society support in the campaign for press freedom, he said the different laws were being formulated in different districts in the name of suppressing terrorism. Vice-president of the eastern chapter of the federation, Yagya Sharma, said that a society could not work in the absence of the press and freedom of expression.
The Himalayan Times

April 19, 2005
KATHMANDU: The District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu, summoned on April 18 Surya Thapa, editor of Budhabar weekly, for the third time for clarification on a cartoon published on March 30, which the authorities claimed to be against the spirit of the February 1 royal move. Thapa presented his written statement to the chief district officer. In previous notifications, the DAO had warned Thapa against a penalty up to Rs.10, 000 or one-year jail or both. The DAO had already interrogated half a dozen other newspaper editors over their coverage on the royal move and the government actions.
Nepalnews

April 20, 2005
KATHMANDU: Binod Dhungel, a member of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) and editor of the Communication Corner, filed a public interest litigation (PIL) at the Supreme Court challenging the ban on FM stations to broadcast news imposed by government authorities, including the Cabinet Secretariat. The petitioner said the ban was against the National Broadcasting Act, 1992 and National Broadcasting Regulation, 1994 and violated right to equality, freedom and the right to pursue profession guaranteed by Articles 11 (1), 12 (1) and 12 (2) (e) of the Constitution. He said the government imposed more restrictions than authorised by the Act 1992.

The Supreme Court refused to issue a stay order on April 30 against the prohibition on broadcasting news bulletins by Frequency Modulation (FM) radios. A three-member bench decided that there was no need to issue a stay order, but the issue should be prioritised so that it could be decided whether to allow the FMs to broadcast news.
The Himalayan Times

April 20, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) condemned Kathmandu District Administration Office's frequent interrogation of Surya Thapa aimed at discouraging him. In a statement, president of FNJ Tara Nath Dahal, slammed the government for creating psychological fear among journalists through a planned action against newspapers and its editors. FNJ denounced a criminal gang for threatening Madan Shrestha, publisher/editor of Madhyanha daily, in connection with a published news item.

The FNJ also announced sending fact-finding missions to all the five development regions-- eastern, central, western, mid-western and far-western regions,--to assess the journalists' condition led by Gopal Budhathoki, Som Nath Ghimire, Harihar Birahi, Tara Nath Dahal and Kishor Nepal.
The Kathmandu Post

April 22, 2005
DANG: A fact-finding mission led by journalists from South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) and the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) arrived in Dang to assess the problems faced by media persons in the mid-western region.

The mission comprised Gopal Thapaliya, president of SAFMA, Nepal; Purushottam Dahal, senior journalist; Surya Thapa, editor of the Budhabar weekly; and Balram Baniya, a journalist. Speaking at a programme, FNJ president Tara Nath Dahal, accused the government of launching an indirect attack on the media whereas Mr. Thapaliya emphasised the right to information as a basic right of the people. Narayan Prasad Sharma, editor of Naya Yugbodh, a local daily, talked of journalists facing immense psychological pressure from the authorities. The team interacted with local editors, FM radio station managers and news readers to assess the media situation.
The Kathmandu Post

April 22, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) strongly flayed the government for sacking 21 journalists working with state-owned Gorkhapatra daily. Renouncing the government's biased decision, FNJ, in a statement, called on the government to reconsider its decision. FNJ said the sacking of journalists, who stood for democracy and free press, exposed the government's arbitrariness. FNJ called upon all journalists of Gorkhapatra to protest this action.
The Kathmandu Post

April 24, 2005
KATHAMNDU: A joint fact-finding mission of the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) and Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Nepal, negotiated with local administration of Saptari (eastern district of Terai) and ensured release of two journalists.
Kantipur daily quoted FNJ vice president, Gopal Budhathoki, saying that local administration of Saptari agreed to release Arjun Saha, editor of 'Batabaran' weekly, and Manohar Pokhrel, editor of 'Jana Akrosh' weekly, after nearly seven hours-long meeting. Saha and Pokhrel were detained on charges of opposing royal move on February 1 and 18 respectively. Mr. Budhathoki confirmed that no journalist was now behind the bars in the eastern region.
Nepalnews

April 26, 2005
KATHMANDU: More than 100 Maoists set Nepal Television tower on fire, including main transmitter, generator, satellite dish and other equipments at Chaupatta in Dang district. The five caused a loss of Rs 8.5 million and suspended the transmission.
Kantipuronline

April 27, 2005
NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned arrest of Dwarika Uprety, publisher of the weekly Roadmap. Plainclothes security officers detained Uprety while he was on his way to office in the Putalisadak district of Kathmandu. Kamal Koirala, editor of the weekly, said no motive was known for his arrest.

Taking a serious note of his arrest as a cynical part of this regime's intimidation tactics against the press, CPJ Executive Director, Ann Cooper, called for his immediate release. The CPJ urged the government to release all imprisoned journalists unconditionally. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) said as many as ten journalists were in detention as of mid-April.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

April 29, 2005
KATHMANDU: Media persons across the country have been facing serious professional crisis after the imposition of state of emergency and press censorship, said a preliminary report, prepared jointly by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) and South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) Nepal. Launching a fact-finding report at a press meet, FNJ President, Tara Nath Dahal, accused the state of exerting psychological and financial pressure on local journalists, private media houses and FM stations by clamping strict censorship and stopping advertisements to them.

He feared that local level FM stations and newspapers would be closed within six-months due to the illiberal behaviour of government. Senior journalists Kishor Nepal, Harihar Birahi, Gopal Budhathoki and Somnath Ghimire, who led their fact-finding mission teams to the far-western, western, eastern and central regions respectively, also shared their experiences. Mr. Nepal said the civil administration in the far-western region was helpless and loosing control. He also blamed the administration and security agencies for lacking a proper coordination on press issues.
Kantipuronline

May 3, 2005
KATHAMNDU: Nepalese media continued to face assaults from both the government and Maoist rebels with unprecedented restrictions imposed on it since the February 1 royal takeover, said a report launched by Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES), a press freedom monitoring group. In a statement, CEHURDES figured out that about two dozen journalists were killed over the last couple of years.

Mentioning threats, intimidation and physical harassment as hurdles in freedom of expression, report disclosed that over 30 journalists were displaced forcibly from their work. Revealing the figures, CEHURDES said that 28 journalists were reportedly interrogated by security forces, government and Maoists over the last year; at least 51 journalists were arrested and subjected to harassment. The statement slammed both the Maoists and the government for killing journalists and paralysing all constitutional and legal safeguards available to the media through government directives after the royal proclamation.
The Kathmandu Post

May 3, 2005
KATHMANDU: Hundreds of journalists took out a silent rally to mark Press Freedom Day defying government restrictions on rallies and strikes. It started from Bhrikuti and converged at the Royal Nepal Academy where they began chanting slogans against the government. Addressing the rally, president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Taranath Dahal, slammed the government for imposing restrictions on holding rallies even after lifting the emergency. Dahal said the censorship left thousands of journalists jobless and many detained.
The Hindu

May 3, 2005
KATHMANDU: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) termed lifting of the state of emergency as an attempt to hoodwink the international community to make them believe that human rights are improving in Nepal. IFJ president, Christopher Warren, condemned the government's lip serving to human rights obligations at the international level and practicing opposite side in Nepal. IFJ in a statement expressed concern over the strict press censorship, attacks on media houses, particularly Jana Sangharsha, Lumbini Daily and Butwal Today on April 24 urging the authorities to restore press freedom.
The Himalayan Times

May 6, 2005
KATHMANDU: Security officials barred Kanak Mani Dixit, editor of Himal fortnightly, from flying out of the country saying they had orders from authorities. Dixit was to leave for Colombo for a three-day seminar, but he was asked by the airport security to talk to higher authorities in the army, which he refused.
The Himalayan Times

May 6, 2005
POKHARA: Minister for Education and Sports, Radhakrishna Mainali, said the government was all set to prepare a new regulation to bar FM stations from broadcasting political news. Calling on all the owners of FM stations to broadcast other programmes in place of political news, he said FM stations should rather work for the promotion of art and culture.
The Himalayan Times

May 14, 2005
KATHAMNDU: Journalists' organisations condemned the government for blocking the mobile connections of some senior journalists after two weeks of resumption of mobile phone service. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), in a statement, urged the government to immediately resume the mobile connection of Yubaraj Ghimire, editor of Samaya weekly; Taranath Dahal, former president of FNJ; Gunaraj Luitel, news editor of Kantipur daily; Sohan Shrestha, news chief of Kantipur Television; Ujir Magar, sub-editor of Kantipur; Bimal Gautam, correspondent of Kantipur Television; Puskar Lal Shrestha, chief editor of Nepal Samacharpatra daily; and Mahendra Bista, general secretary of FNJ.
The Kathmandu Post

May 15, 2005
POKHARA: The media ought to play an active role, especially during times of conflict without influences and prejudices, said Yuvraj Ghimire, editor of Samaya weekly, at a two-day workshop jointly organised by the Nepal Press Institute (NPI) and Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Kaski.

Emphasising the need for an independent press helping in conflict resolution, Ghimire criticized the journalists 'serving the vested interests of political parties'. Outgoing president of FNJ, Taranath Dahal, said journalists of Nepal were following a code of conduct, but were deprived of freedom as promised by the Constitution of Nepal. Mr. Dahal pledged that FNJ would never give up its fight for press freedom in Nepal. Senior journalist P Kharel criticised both the government and the Maoists for harassing journalists.
The Himalayan Times

May 15, 2005
WASHINGTON: About 700 Nepalese and friends of Nepal took out a pro-democracy rally in Washington D. C. calling for restoration of democracy, civil liberties, human rights and resignation of Yubaraj Gautam, editor of Gorkhapatra, for publishing highly objectionable matters in the state-run daily. The 105-year-old government-owned daily published a front page report that Nepalese in America expressed strong objections to the demonstration opposing the monarchy and nationality.
Asia Pacific Media

May 16, 2005
KATHMANDU: An armed group of Maoist insurgents abducted Som Sharma, reporter for 'Aankha', from his residence at Mangalbare' bazaar in the eastern district of Ilam. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Ilam, urged rebels to immediately release Sharma. International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on May 19 expressed concern over his abduction calling it a threat to independent voices in Nepal. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concern about the safety of Som Sharma on May 18. The CPJ called the abduction one of several serious attacks on the press in recent days by both the Maoists and the government. In a statement issued from New York, CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper said journalists had been mistreated and even executed at the hands of the Maoists and in case of Sharma if abducted by the Maoists, they again showed their utter disdain for the lives and safety of journalists. Condemning the Maoists for not releasing Som Sharma, the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) demanded his release on June 11.
Asia Pacific Media Network, Kantipuronline, The Kathmandu Post

May 18, 2005
KATHMANDU: Lalitpur District Administration Office (DAO) interrogated Kanak Mani Dixit, editor of Himal news magazine, over his article "Opportunity and the Situation" published in the last issue of the magazine against the spirit of the February 1 royal move. In defence, Dixit denied the charge and said his article called for constitutional and democratic process in Nepal. Meanwhile, vice-chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Shiv Gaunle, termed the interrogation as harassment against the press even after lifting state of emergency.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concern over the questioning of Kanak Mani Dixit on May 18 in a statement issued from New York. The CPJ said that poor conditions for journalists were exacerbated after the royal takeover on February 1. CPJ noted that government harassment and restrictions on the media had not abated even after lifting of the state of emergency.
Nepalnews, The Kathmandu Post

May 19, 2005
KATHMANDU: Christopher Warren, president of International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), said all independent voices in Nepal would be silenced if the media restrictions, intimidation and abduction of journalists continued. In a statement, Warren expressed concern over the Maoist attack on state-owned Nepal Television tower in Tansen, Palpa which halted the transmission. While noting the closure of some of the weeklies following the government's denial of advertisements and subsidies to private media, Warren cited the closure of three newspapers in Gulmi.
Kantipuronline

May 21, 2005
NAIROBI: International Press Institute (IPI) unanimously decided to put Nepal on its watch list until press freedom was fully restored. Expressing concern at the situation of press freedom in Nepal, the IPI at its 54th international conference appealed for the return of the status quo in the media. IPI Nepal chairman, Pushkar Lal Shrestha, suggested sending a team of IPI central working committee to Nepal to assess freedom of press, which was unanimously accepted by the house with a decision to dispatch it in November. Shrestha told the meeting about the difficulties journalists were facing in reporting because of Maoists' threat and indirect control of local administration on different media despite government's economic blockade in the form of banning advertisement to private media.
News of Nepa

May 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed at the Supreme Court seeking its order to government authorities to allow Frequency Modulation (FM) radios to broadcast news, banned by the regional administration on May 2. Advocates challenged a recent notice issued by the administrator of the Central Region that extended the ban on FM radios violating the rights of the people guaranteed by the 1990 Constitution. The Cabinet Secretariat, Ministries of Home, Information and Communications, District Administration Offices in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, Regional Administrator Rabindra Chakrawarti and his office were defendants. The Supreme Court on May 26 told the government authorities including the Cabinet Secretariat to appear before the court on May 30 where the bench would decide whether to issue a stay order. The bench also told the authorities to submit their explanations within 15 days.

The Ministry of Information and Communication on June 10 told the Supreme Court that it had directed the FM radio stations to stop broadcasting news, but not to shut down their services. Secretary of the ministry, Lokman Singh Karki, also said the ministry had issued directives as per the Broadcasting Act 2049 and Broadcasting Regulation 2052 and the directives did not infringe on anybody's fundamental rights. CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal told journalists in Biratnagar that the government had throttled the press and the right to information.
The Himalayan Times

May 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: The government passed a rigorous law to control the free media. The law provided for strict legal terms regarding media ownership, news broadcast and fine and punishment. It said that no individual or organisation would be provided license to operate radio, television and publications at a time. The ordinance also mandated the individuals or organizations to choose any two media within one year. Failure to do so would mean revocation of radio and television licenses. FM stations had been barred from publishing any "news-related programme" as the relevant clause in the National Broadcasting Act 2049, now contained the term "informative programs". In the ordinance, some clauses of Radio Act 2014, Press and Publications Act 2048, Press Council Act 2048, National Broadcasting Act 2049, and Defamation Act 2016 were amended.

Under the banned items, Clause 14 (a) of Press and Publications Act 2048 - "Causing hatred or disrespect against His Majesty and the royal family or encouraging disregard or animosity or hurting the prestige of His Majesty" now read as His Majesty and members of the royal family..." "Disrupting security, peace and order in the Kingdom of Nepal" had been broadened and now it also included "discouraging acts that are deemed criminal as per existing laws".

Under the banned items, Clause 14 (c) of Press and Publications Act 2048 - "Disrupting security, peace and order in the Kingdom of Nepal" - had been broadened and now it also included "discouraging acts that are deemed criminal as per the existing laws". Similarly, another banned item under sub-clause (d) - Creating enmity among people of the various castes, religions, areas, regions, communities and spreading communal disharmony - had been entirely replaced with "Promoting Terrorist, terrorism and destructive activities".

Editor and/or publisher would face heavy punishment for any published material deemed to be falling under banned item. Instead of the previous fine of Rs 10,000, they could be fined up to Rs 100,000. Similarly, anyone publishing, translating and importing banned items would be liable to face a fine 10 times more than the present.

A meeting of journalists and professionals organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) decided on May 22 to strongly protest the law. Bishnu Nisthuri, FNJ president, asked the journalists to challenge the law and pressurise the government to withdraw it. He urged all media owners to cooperate with the movement and announced the FNJ plans of holding meetings with various professional organisations, media owners to protest the law.

The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Banke unit, along with rights activists and representatives of civil society organised a candlelight rally in Nepalgunj on May 31. Addressing the rally, Banke FNJ president Prem KC urged the government not to introduce the anti-press ordinance. Agitating media persons in Pokhara demanded FM radios to be allowed to broadcast news. The FNJ, Dang, also held a rally against proposed amendment of press laws.

Hundreds of Nepalese journalists, most of them covering their mouths with a black cloth, marched in Kathmandu on May 24 to protest amendments in media laws banning criticism of King Gyanendra and his family members, and introduce longer prison terms or more fines for defamation. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) in a statement appealed to all journalists to struggle against throttling of press freedom. Officials in defence said that planned changes in media laws were needed to regulate media and their activities. Disclosing the police detention of five journalists Bishnu Nisthuri, president of FNJ, announced more protests against the proposed restrictions. Media groups said journalists were still being questioned for criticising the king and private radio stations continued to be barred from broadcasting news reports.

Former judge of the Supreme Court, Laxman Aryal, on May 27 said the proposed anti-press law was illegal and ill-intended. Addressing an interaction on political situation and press freedom to mark the 15th anniversary of Nepal Press Union, Aryal said the political developments over the past three years were a greater challenge to the state than that which transpired in the past 14 years.

Criticising the government for nominating a sub-standard group to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Aryal said the working majority of the new NHRC team was worse than the former. Bishnu Nisthuri, president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) said the movement of Nepalese journalists for press freedom was backed by the civil society and international press bodies.

Local media persons planned a rally on May 25 against the law. Expressing regret over the cabinet's nod to the ordinance, journalists took this decision at a programme organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Banke branch. Legal eagles urged the government not to issue any 'draconian law' to curb freedom of the press on May 28. President of Nepal Bar Association, Shambhu Thapa, accused the government of indirectly curtailing the fundamental rights, including press and publication rights and freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the 1990 constitution through amending the press law unconstitutionally.

Speaking at a programme on Nepal's 1990 Constitution and the Proposed Amendment of Press Law organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, former Attorney General, Badri Bahadur Karki, called the amendments as rigid provisions to scrap their press credential certificates to punish the media-persons. Former president of NBA, Harihar Dahal, said that the government threatened the free press having no right to promulgate any law with retrospective implementation. Journalist Rajendra Dahal announced protests to pressure the government against amending the laws.
The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times, Reuters

May 23, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (ACRB), Nepal, flayed the Maoists for looting equipment of Ghoda Ghodi FM station in far-western district of Kailali. On May 19, armed insurgents forcibly entered the office and took away transmission equipment worth about Rs one million. In a statement, chairman of ACRB, Raghu Mainali, called the attack an addition to the woes of the FM radio station facing restrictions from the government. The ACRB asked the Maoists to beg apology for their act; return the looted equipment; and pledge that they would no more indulge in such 'uncivilised attacks'.
Nepalnews

May 23, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) and the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) in a meeting decided to jointly fight against the proposed amended Press Ordinance aimed at curbing press freedom guaranteed by the 1990 Constitution. Shambhu Thapa, the chairman of the NBA, said he would assist FNJ in filing a case to seek stay order against the proposed ordinance. Aspiring to build pressure against it , he said the law was designed to make major amendments to the Radio Act 2014, the Rastriya Samachar Samiti Act 2019, the Press Council Act 2048, the Press and Publication Act 2048, the National Broadcasting Act 2049 and the Defamation Act 2016.

Announcing a series of protest programmes, Bishnu Nisthuri, the president of FNJ, dubbed the law as another blow on press freedom whatsoever was left after the February 1 royal takeover.
The Himalayan Times

May 24, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Press Council sought explanation within 10 days from the Kantipur Publications on a May 21 news item which allegedly defamed the government. The group's publications Kantipur daily and The Kathmandu Post had reported the government's 'preparation' to amend media laws to 'gag the press further'. The journalists' code of conduct monitoring sub-committee of the Press Council wrote a letter to both the newspapers accusing the Kantipur Publications of violating the sections 3(4), 4(3) and 4 (11) of the Code of Conduct of Journalists, 2060 BS by publishing the 'baseless' news item. Reacting to the letter, Prateek Pradhan, editor of The Kathmandu Post, said that it was issued without following any legal process and without any discussion in the sub-committee's meeting. Slamming the so-called freedom after lifting the state of emergency, he withdrew any chance of having proper journalism if journalists would require government's permission to publish any news.
The Himalayan Times

May 24, 2005
NAIROBI: More than 250 publishers, editors and reporters in a meeting of International Press Institution (IPI) placed Nepal on an international watch list of countries where press freedom is in danger and urged the Nepalese government to restore suspended democratic rights. IPI members unanimously called on Nepalese government to restore the right to press freedom and freedom of expression in a resolution adopted at the end of its three-day annual general assembly in Nairobi.

The IPI delegates demanded the media to be allowed to report freely and without restraint, the resolution said, noting that press freedoms remained suspended despite the lifting of the state of emergency. The IPI delegates also observed that Nepalese officials had ordered media outlets only to report information about the Maoist rebels released by the security forces and not to disseminate news that may 'directly or indirectly instigate or support' terrorism.
AFP

May 25, 2005
KATHMANDU: Demanding an immediate withdrawal of the ban on news broadcast, radio journalists announced their protest programme. At a meeting in Lalitpur, Radio journalists announced the formation of a struggle committee to protest against the government's decision to ban news broadcasts on FM and community radios. Kathmandu Valley FM Broadcasters' Forum, Community Radio Broadcasters' Association and Broadcasting Association, which comprised radio promoters and journalists, led the protest. The ban on news on FM and community radio was announced after the royal takeover on February 1.

FM radio operators and journalists continued their protest on June 1 against the ban on newscasts holding banners and placards in protest against the government ban. They sent an old radio set and a copy of the constitution to Minister for Information and Communication Tanka Dhakal.

More than 200 journalists brought out a rally led by Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), on June 5 to push forward their demands for press freedom and lifting of ban on FM news. The protesters chanted slogans against the government. The rally was addressed by senior journalists including FNJ president Bishnu Nisthuri, Tara Nath Dahal, Narayan Wagle, Harihar Birahi and Gopal Thapaliya. The speakers warned that the government's plan to introduce new press laws aimed at stifling the independent press would incite intense protest.

Journalists read news on loudspeakers in protest on June 6 in Biratnagar against the government's ban on FM stations news broadcast for 15 minutes. Dharma Raj Dhakal, a radio journalist, said they would continue announcing news through loudspeakers at the office of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ). On June 5, journalists read news about journalists' protest rallies, mass meetings and various other protest programs in a 15-minute-long programme.

Save Independent Radio Movement (SIRM) announced a fresh round of protests on June 7 against the ban on FM stations. It said all FM stations would air the news of King Gyanendra's Doha visit on June 13. SIRM said that it was compelled to announce the second phase of protests as the government did not respond to its first phase of demonstrations. It also acknowledged the support of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Nepal Press Institute (NPI), Media Services International and Nepal Forum for Environmental Journalists for saving independent FM stations.

During the 17-day-long protest programs, journalists would broadcast news from New Baneshwore, Patan and outside Kathmandu by setting up loudspeakers.
SIRM would also hold discussions with professional organisations of journalists, lawyers, teachers and members of civil society to muster their support for pressurising the government to lift the ban. Musical concerts, comedy programmes, poem contests and prayers would also be organised.
The Kathmandu Post, Nepalnews, Kantipur Online

May 27, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) urged FM radio owners to re-induct all journalists, laid off in the wake of February 1 royal move. Speaking at an interaction programME organised by Martin Chautari, FNJ general secretary Mahendra Bista, said the government should not use ban on FM stations against the journalists. Meanwhile, Protect the Free Radio Movement, a protest committee, formed by radio journalists announced a nine-day protest programme across the country to condemn the government decision. Following the programme, journalists would blow conch shells on May 29 and would pay homage in temples, mainly Pashupatinath, the next day. All FM stations would air reading of fundamental rights relating to freedom of expression and right to information on May 31. They would also send a damaged radio and a copy of the constitution to the communication minister and the government on June 1. Among other programs, all FM stations would observe a two-minute silence on June 3.

FM management boards in Pokhara decided to reinstate journalists on May 30 through an agreement between FM operators and journalists. Four FM stations were currently in operation in Pokhara. Reacting to the decision, president of Nepal Broadcasting Association, Shivalal Malla, said financial problems did not matter as long as journalists worked for the betterment of the FM stations. Chairman of Pokhara FM, Pritman Bajracharya, said FM operators had agreed to reinstate the employees only if they were granted permission to broadcast news again. The operators had assured them that they would be able to rejoin within this month.
The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times

May 28, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Information and Communication in a one-sentence 'secret' and 'urgent' letter ordered Communication Corner Private Limited, a syndicate audio content provider to Nepalese broadcasters, to close down its operations under the pretext of complaints of its being operated illegally. The letter did not say anything about the complainer the irregularities done by the Corner or a probe into the allegations. Gopal Guragain, Managing Director of Communication Corner, denied the possibility of closing down the Corner and rejected the accusation of being "illegal" as permission was granted by the relevant government agencies. Guragain moved the court against the order.

The Supreme Court ordered the government on June 1 to furnish a written reply within 15 days on its order. The court ordered the defendants to appear before the court on June 3 to discuss why a stay order should not be issued against the government order. A division bench also told the CCPL to produce its statute and prospectus to conduct a hearing on whether to issue a stay order against the government. The Supreme Court on June 7 declared the government's directive to shut down the Communication Corner illegal and ordered the government to allow the organisation to continue its operations.
United We Blog, The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times

May 29, 2005
BHAIRAHAWA: Narayan Gopal Malegu, Director of Information Department, said that a new advertisement policy was in the pipeline to "manage" the previous government advertisements to private sector media. Speaking at an interaction in Bhairahawa, he said that the previous policy was not well managed and the new policy aimed to provide government ads to all media houses consistently.

Many speakers accused the government of being un-cooperative and intolerant toward private media. President of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Rupandehi branch, DR Ghimire, said the government was trying to muzzle private media.
The Kathmandu Post

May 29, 2005
SEOUL: Narayan Wagle, editor of Kantipur daily, said Nepal had become a "more risky" place for investigative journalists after the February 1 royal takeover. Giving a presentation at the Press Freedom Roundtable organised by the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), Wagle said things had worsened now and the country took a surprise course opposite to what political parties, civil society, media and donor countries were pushing for.

Swinging between pessimism and optimism, Wagle talked about some positive signs due to increasing pressure from the international community about removing restrictions on media. Wagle blamed both the state and the Maoists for the dire situation in Nepal.
The Kathmandu Post

May 30, 2005
SEOUL: The Board of World Editors Association of Newspapers (WAN) at the World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum called on the king to restore civic rights. Realising the onslaught of pressure and terror, the resolution highlighted the issues Nepalese media faced like censorship, financial pressures, curbs on freedom of movement and freedom of expression of journalists, and their arrest and harassment by the authorities.

The resolution criticised the government for not ending harassment, intimidation and a censorship of media even after lifting of emergency and still keeping journalists under detention. The resolution mentioned the suspension of 30 newspapers in the wake of the February 1 move while underlining the need for having an unrestricted media for a functioning democratic system.
The Kathmandu Post

May 31, 2005
KATHMANDU: International Federation of Journalists, IFJ, and Reporters Without BordersReporters sans Frontieres (RSF), extended their solidarity toward Nepalese journalists and encouraged them to continue their struggle for complete press freedom. In a statement, Christopher Warrren, chairman of IFJ, condemned all acts against press freedom like arbitrary arrest of journalists, interrogation and violation of their fundamental rights. He also criticised the government for issuing directives to close down the Communication Corner.
Kantipur Online

June 3, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) expressed concern over Sunsari District Court's summoning Salikram Pandey, editor of Itahari-based Janamat weekly. Pandey was kept in the court the whole day, but was sent back without interrogation. FNJ president Bishnu Nishthuri, in a statement, said that summoning the editor for an informative news item published a month back was simply aimed at harassing journalists. He requested the government to stop such activities.
The Kathmandu Post

June 7, 2005
KATHMANDU: Radio Karnali, Jumla and Bijaya FM, Nawalparasi stopped airing programmes, as the government did not allow them to purchase new back-up transmitters to replace the old ones. According to SIRM convener Mainali, the government did not permit FM stations to buy any radio equipment though the license allowed FM stations to do so. Manoj Kumar Tiwari, president of FM Adhyatma Jyoti, said that his station, too, had not been allowed to purchase a back-up transmitter.
The Kathmandu Post

June 8, 2005
KATHMANDU: More than 60 journalists were arrested when police swooped on a rally of 500 journalists protesting against the government curbs on press. The police arrested FNJ officials, including Bishnu Nisthuri, president of FNJ; Shiva Gaunle, vice president; Mahendra Bista, general secretary; and Balram Bania, secretary. Condemning the royal move to gag media, the participants were holding black banners and placards with slogans like 'lift news ban on FM stations,' 'restore press freedom,' 'withdraw economic blockade on private media' and 'revoke censorship notice. Soon after the mass arrest, FNJ former presidents Harihar Bihari, Suresh Acharya, Taranath Dahal, SAFMA Nepal president Gopal Thapaliya and human right activist Purusottam Dahal, staged a protest in front of Police Club condemning the arrest. The detained journalists refused to eat until the government justified their arrest.

The Nepalese government on June 10 freed more than 55 journalists who again vowed to continue their protests against the royal government. General secretary, Mahendra Bista, said that journalists were arrested without arrest warrants and reason. Sanjay Ghimire, executive member of the FNJ, said that the journalists launched another demonstration on June 13 with a pledge to restore press freedom. The government freed more than four dozen journalists on June 14 amid condemnation from various sectors.
SAFMA Nepal, Outlook, The Himalayan Times

June 11, 2005
POKHARA: Journalists took out a rally from the Prithvi Chowk in Pokhara called jointly by the Kaski branch of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) and Protect Free Radio Agitation Committee demanding press freedom. Addressing a corner meeting at the Prithvi Chowk, Gangadhar Lamsal, vice-president of the FNJ, said that the government should pay heed to the rally and its demands. Rabindra Bastola, president of the FNJ Kaski branch, warned that the government's strategy of curbing civic rights by gagging the media would prove harmful. Shivalal Malla, president of the Broadcasting Association Nepal, charged the government with trying to kill the private radio stations by imposing a ban on news broadcast. Meanwhile, the FNJ Dang branch staged a rally to protest against the arrest of journalists.
The Himalayan Times

June 11, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) condemned the Maoists for abducting Bikram Giri, a reporter for Kantipur Publication, Darchula district. FNJ also flayed the government for beating 18 journalists in Butwal and Kalaiya, where they were taking out peaceful rallies. Giri, who was reporting in Kalapani area, was abducted by a group of Maoists from Byas VDC on June 3. FNJ issued a press release warning that the media would boycott news related to the Maoists. The Maoists released Giri on June 10. FNJ asked the rebels not to threaten Upendra Pokharel, a Panchthar-based scribe. Nepal Students' Union also condemned the incident and appealed for safe release of abducted journalists.
The Himalayan Times, The Kathmandu Post

June 13, 2005
CHITWAN: Journalists and representatives of professional bodies carried out a rally from the Narayangarh chowk demanding restoration of press freedom. The rally organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Chitwan branch, converged into a corner meeting. Representatives of professional organisations, including HURON and the Nepal Bar Association, expressed their solidarity with the journalists.
Nepalnews

June 13, 2005
KATHMANDU: The government called FM radio journalists for negotiations to resolve the problem. Save Independent Radio Movement, (SIRM) said the protest programmes scheduled for June 14 had been suspended following the government's call. Journalists associated with the SIRM decided to continue their agitation after talks with the government failed on June 14.
Kantipuronline, The Himalayan Times

June 14, 2005
KATHMANDU: Police rounded up scores of protesting journalists led by Nepal Union of Journalists (NUJ) in many parts of the country. They were demanding lifting of restrictions on the media and the laws that curbed freedom of media. Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) disclosed in a press release that 48 journalists were arrested from Ratna Park, Kathmandu, where they took out a rally against the government. Plainclothes policemen severely beat up journalists Rishi Dhamala, Ujir Magar, Prem Dahal and Geja Sharma Wagle. They were kept at the Janasewa Ward Police, Kamal Pokhari Police Post and Singha Durbar. Police got public buses vacated forcibly and used them to keep the arrested scribes.

In Kavre, at least five journalists were injured and 23 rounded up during a rally organised by the FNJ, Kavere, at Banepea. They were released after six hours in detention. Journalists and human rights activists organised a protest rally at Birtamod, Baglung and Dang. Addressing the rally, former FNJ president, Harihar Birahi, accused the government of controlling the media to cover up its wrongdoings like the exposure of cabinet vice chairman Dr. Tulsi Giri as one of the defaulters of the state-owned Nepal Bank Limited. Issuing separate press statements, NC-D, Communication Corner, Movement to Save Independent Radio, Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) and Press Chautari Nepal condemned the arrest of the journalists from a peaceful protest.
The Himalayan Times

June 14, 2005
KATHMANDU: Journalists continued their demonstration for the second day demanding press freedom in Nepal. More than 250 scribes protested in front of the Chief District Administrator's Office denouncing the government intervention in their peaceful demonstrations and demanding end to media restrictions. Slamming the anti-media policy, Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) general secretary Mahendra Bista, vowed to continue their struggle until full democracy was restored. After release, FNJ president, Bishnu Nishthuri, said the journalists would soon start the next phase of agitation for restoration of press freedom. The SIRM refused the government offer for dialogue, saying the talks offer was `not genuine'' and a ``conspiracy'' to foil their agitation.
The News

June 14, 2005
KATHMANDU: The government banned news related programmes over FM warning of cancellation of the license and imposition of fine in case of violation. The government again offered dialogue as the journalists continued protests.
News of Nepal

June 15, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Movement to Save Independent Radio (SIRM) dropped one of its protest programmes repeatedly airing news about King Gyanendra's Doha visit after requests from the government authorities, even as FM journalists were ready for talks. The journalists demanded the government to lift the ban on FM news broadcasting. In the meanwhile, a musical show FM Solidarity Musical Programme was organised at Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka, to express solidarity with the FM journalists' agitation.
The Himalayan Times

June 16, 2005
KATHMANDU: The SIRM held a preliminary dialogue with a team from the Ministry of Information and Communications, headed by the secretary at the ministry, Lok Man Singh Karki. The talks could not decide anything except to meet again on June 19. In the meantime, symbolic protests continued. In a public litigation case, the Supreme Court had issued an order on July 26, 2001 nullifying the then government's order to ban FM stations from airing news. In its verdict, the apex court had granted electronic media as equal rights as enjoyed by the print media. The court also said that banning the airing of news through FM stations violates the constitutionally protected rights to opinion, speech and information.
The Kathmandu Post

June 17, 2005
LALITPUR: Binay Kasaju, a leading communication expert, told a symposium organised by Equal Access in Lalitpur the government's intolerable behaviour against FM radios was a blow to the sector, playing a key role in changing the lives of the rural Nepali populace. Appreciating "Nepal as a leader in producing radio programmes in South Asia, he said that the recent decision had turned Nepal into a prisoner of its own success.
The Kathmandu Post

June 17, 2005
KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) stressed on the state to make its media monitoring mechanism effective when the government was about to introduce new press law to curb the media. In a press statement, the NHRC asked the fourth estate to become responsible, respectful and fact-based. Responding to a question about the state curbing press freedom, Gokul Pokharel, NHRC Commissioner, favoured the freedom of press admitting that freedom was not absolute.
The Kathmandu Post

June 18, 2005
KATHMANDU: Around 12 poets expressed solidarity with the Movement to Save Independent Radio (MSIR), by reciting poems on freedom of expression.
They also came down heavily on the government for not allowing FM radio stations to broadcast news. The MSIR was also planning to organize comedy programmes on the following day at Bhrikuti Mandap to protest the government's illiberal media policy.
The Kathmandu Post

June 19, 2005
NEPALGUNJ: The local administration and the security forces continued restricting the communication means like telephone and fax for media persons in Chainpur, the district headquarters of Bajhang. Reporters were not allowed to avail the facilities to send their reports.
The Kathmandu Post

June 20, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Bharatpur, Chitwan, decided to boycott all functions attended by the ministers, regional and zonal administrators and those nominated by the government till the second week of July. In a press statement, FNJ also decided to boycott Vice Chairman, Dr. Tulsi Giri's public functions and news, statements, and even not to invite him as a guest in any function and receive any prizes or awards from him to protest his anti press freedom role. Appealing private media not to take the photograph of Minister for Information and Communications, Tanka Dhakal, the FNJ criticised the minister for imposing economic blockade on the private media.
The Himalayan Times

June 20, 2005
NEPALGUNJ: Censorship was still in effect in Bajhang, a far-western district, where a government peon was heading the undeclared censor section. He was authorised to scrutinise news, confirm all details, and edit the material filed by local correspondents at District Development Committee (DDC). Reporters were permitted to use the DDC fax after receiving special approval from the Local District Officer (LDO) and verifying the news from the peon. A journalist on condition of anonymity talked about the harassment they had to face from the security forces.
United We Blog

June 20, 2005
KATHMANDU: The government would provide advertisements to media through one window system, Communication Minister Tanka Dhakal said. The system was implemented for uniformity in distribution of advertisements, he said.
News of Nepal

June 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: Defying the ban on broadcasting news, radio reporters used loudspeaker to get their news out. Every evening, about 300 people gathered on a roadside in Biratnagar, 500 km east of Kathmandu to listen to the news from an open air studio.
Calcutta Telegraph

June 21, 2005
KATHMANDU: Chandra Lal Giri, a reporter working with `Shram' weekly newspaper, was released on the order of the Supreme Court. In response to a writ petition, a division bench on June 20 held the detention of Giri "illegal" and ordered his immediate release. In a statement, the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) said Giri was arrested nearly six months ago from Pulchowk, Lalitpur and was tortured and put into harsh detention for nearly one month. He was later charged under the controversial "Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Control and Punishment) Act" and sent to jail. After his release, Giri demanded release of all the journalists, including Maheswor Pahari and Bhaikaji Ghimire. The FNJ and rights groups urged Maoist rebels to immediately release Som Sharma, who was abducted a month ago.
Nepal News

June 22, 2005
KAVRE: Police arrested 10 journalists from a programme organised at the local Tribhuvan Chowk in Banepa, but were released later in the evening.
The Himalayan Times

June 22, 2005
POKHARA: Journalists staged a sit-in on the main road in Pokhara demanding press freedom under the second phase of the movement launched by Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ). Minister of Information and Communications, Tanka Dhakal, called on the media in Kathmandu to work for the nation, nationality, crown and democracy.
Nepalnews

June 24, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) staged a sit-in at the New Baneshwor Chowk to protest against the government move of amending media laws and restricting the government advertisement. Leaders of political parties and human rights activists also expressed solidarity with the journalists. FNJ president Bishnu Nisthuri, accused the government of preparing an advertisement policy for providing advertisement to "selective newspapers loyal to the establishment". Addressing a press meet, Minister of Information and Communications, Tanka Dhakal, said that a committee headed by him would channelise all the government advertisements.
The Himalayan Times

June 24, 2005
KATHMANDU: At a two-day national conference of FM station human rights lawyers discussed the issue of the government ban on news broadcasts by independent radio stations and dubbed it a violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Around 100 lawyers, journalists, and the representatives from FM stations suggested FM operators to take the case to the United Nations and begin airing news as their fundamental right, which could not be infringed by the government.

The conference organised by the Movement to Save Independent Radio (MSIR) chalked out a strategy as to save independent radio stations, including protest programmes against the government.

Condemning the news ban, former Supreme Court Justice and member of the constitution drafting committee, Laxman Prasad Aryal, declared the ban against the constitution and a Supreme Court precedent, which allowed FM stations and other electronic media to enjoy freedom enshrined by the constitution. General secretary of Nepal Press Institute P Kharel said that the provision of banning other programmes, except "entertainment" could not be found anywhere in the world.
The Kathmandu Post

June 25, 2005
KATHMANDU: Vice chairman of the Council of Ministers, Kirtinidhi Bista, filed a case of defamation against the Drishti weekly for publishing what he called baseless and misleading news against him. Calling it an attack on his image, dignity and political life, Bista cited the constitution and laws regarding press and publication which did not allow defaming any one. Requesting the court to consider the matter seriously that jeopardised his reputation and honesty, Bista demanded compensation for the damages the news had inflicted upon him.
The Rising Nepal

June 25, 2005
KATHMANDU: A meeting of radio journalists demanded an immediate withdrawal of the ban on news and informative programmes of FM radio stations. The meeting adopted an eight-point Kathmandu Declaration.
Nepalnews

June 26, 2005
POKHARA: Journalists, human rights workers and activists of various political parties demanded restoration of press freedom in a protest rally in Pokhara. Addressing the rally, Gangadhar Parajuli, central vice-president of the FNJ, emphasised on the need to restore fundamental rights of the people and press freedom as an essential organ of democracy.

FNJ, Kailali branch, organised a protest rally on June 27. The president of Kailali FNJ addressed the rally and expressed his resolution to continue agitation for freedom of the press. Journalists in Nepalgunj also demanded press freedom in a motorcycle rally on June 27.
Kathmandu Post

June 28, 2005
KATHMANDU: An international mission comprising various journalists' associations would arrive in Nepal on July 10 on a week-long visit to assess the situation of the media and media persons. Hem Bahadur Bista of International Media Support, Nepal, said the representatives from nine international organisations, including International Media Support-Denmark, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Press Institute (IPI), and UNESCO, would interact with journalists during their stay. Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) and South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) said that they would ask the international mission to exert continuous pressure on the government for the restoration of press freedom and civil liberties in Nepal.
Kathmandu Post

June 29, 2005
KATHMANDU: The Maoists threatened to kill Umesh Gurung, a local reporter of Sutradhar Shree, if he refused to join them. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) said he was stopped from leaving village of Jamuna. Other reporters, including Kishor Karki, editor of Blast Times in Dharan, were also threatened for publishing news critical of the Maoists.
The Himalayan Times

June 29, 2005
KATHAMNDU: Police arrested five journalists from a peaceful demonstration. Nepal Press Union (NPU)the organiser of the protest--said that the police arrested Murari Kumar Sharma, NPU president; Bindu Kanta Ghimire, vice president; Kiran Pokhrel and Shital Koirala, central committee members; and Shiva Devkota, president of NPU Nuwakot district unit; while they were trying to enter Singha Durbarthe main government secretariat. They were planning to stage a protest in front of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) demanding press freedom. Condemning the police intervention, NPU and Reporters' Club of Nepal in separate statements demanded immediate release of detained journalists.
Nepalnews

June 29, 2005
KATHMANDU: More than 200 journalists staged a protest at Naya Baneshwore against the government's ban on FM news and news-related programmes. President Bishnu Nisthuri of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, FNJ, expressed determination to continue protest against the government decision until press freedom, democratic process and civil liberties" were restored. The FNJ was also planning to stage a protest on July 3. The Save Independent Radio Movement (SIRM) said that all FM stations would air news of the King's birthday on July 7 in defiance of the government ban.
Kantipuronline