Media group says Nepal arrests most journalists

KATHMANDU (Reuters) – Nepal arrested more journalists than
any other country since 2004, many during pro-democracy
protests, an international media watchdog said while urging the
royalist government to free seven still in detention.

The Paris-based group, Reporters Without Borders (RWB),
said in a statement received on Friday that at least 114
journalists were arrested while doing their job or taking part
in pro-democracy protests from January 20.

“Nepal has, since 2004, arrested more journalists than any
other country worldwide,” it said.

It said while most of those arrested or detained had been
freed, seven journalists were still being held.

“Whether they were arrested for their articles or for
demonstrating for press freedom, their detention is abusive,”
the group said.

Nepali authorities do not comment on the arrests or
detentions or provide reasons for picking up journalists.

In February 2005, King Gyanendra sacked the multi-party
government and suspended civil rights and media freedom,
justifying his move as vital to quell an anti-monarchy Maoist
insurgency.

More than 13,000 people have died in the 10-year-old revolt
that has shattered Nepal’s aid-and-tourist dependent economy.