Published on 13 May 2009
27 August 2009 - Increase in physical attacks on journalists and news media in August
12 June 2009 - Are political activists, especially Maoists, disregarding press freedom pledges?
30 April 2009 - Radio station threatened by Maoists
This report contains the findings and recommendations of the Quick-Response Assessment Mission gleaned during a visit undertaken by the "International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission" (also referred to as the International Media Mission or the International Mission) to Nepal from 4 to 8 February 2009. This mission brought together the expertise of a number of international organisations working on media development and freedom of expression.
The report assesses developments since the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) was signed between the government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the election held in April 2008 which brought the current coalition government led by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) or UCPN(M) to office. The report is also informed by the knowledge gathered through the five visits of the International Mission to Nepal since July 2005, as well as the longer-term involvement of each of the participating organisation in the country.
Scores of Chinese journalists, bloggers and human rights activists were arrested, put under house arrested or expelled from Beijing before and during the Olympic Games. The Games have now finished and we call for their release !
