Journalist Brutally Assaulted in Nepal

Journalist Brutally Assaulted in Nepal

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the brutal attack on a female journalist and office holder at the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in Rukum District, western Nepal, on December 8.

Local Rajdheni reporter and FNJ central councillor Tika Bista was found unconscious near her home at midday on December 8 with severe injuries to her head, arms and leg. Her damaged laptop, two mobile phones and documents were found nearby.

The FNJ, an IFJ affiliate, said that Bista had reported receiving a threatening phone call on November 29 concerning an article she wrote in which the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (UCPN) Maoist party was criticised.

Bista was flown to Kathmandu yesterday and is reported to be in a stable condition, according to local media reports today.

“The brute violence used against Tika Bista is abhorrent and must not be tolerated,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“Nepal’s authorities must take every step to locate and prosecute whoever is responsible for this vicious attack.”

The assault of Bista is the second violent attack against a young female journalist in Nepal in the past year. On January 11, Uma Singh was murdered at her home in Janakpur. Her murder drew much national and international condemnation and highlighted the acute risks for media personnel as Nepal makes its difficult transition to democracy.

The IFJ joins the FNJ in urging the local administration of Rukum District and the police to bring those responsible for the attack on Tika Bista to justice.

ENDS

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