The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Nepali authorities to ensure the safety of media personnel covering ongoing protests, following incidents of arson at media offices and reports of injuries to at least four journalists.
Violence broke out in Kathmandu and other parts of the country on Monday after the government blocked access to social media platforms that did not comply with an August 25 Cabinet directive requiring them to register and accept official oversight. The restriction was lifted on Tuesday, and Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned after 19 protesters were killed. Despite this, unrest has continued, with demonstrators attacking government buildings and ministers.
CPJ Regional Director Beh Lih Yi said the unrest underscored the risks faced by journalists. The increasingly violent unrest in Nepal, which has damaged at least two media offices, is a reminder of the danger facing journalists covering events of national importance, she said. Authorities should hold both security forces and demonstrators to account for all assaults on the media and ensure the press can work safely.
On 9 September, protesters set fire to the offices of Kantipur Media Group — which runs print, television and radio divisions — and the Annapurna Post newspaper.
Taranath Dahal, CEO of local advocacy group Freedom Forum, said several broadcasters, including Kantipur TV, Avenues TV, ABC Television and ITV Nepal, had been forced off the air due to the unrest.
Thiralal Bhusal, news editor of The Kathmandu Post, which is owned by Kantipur Media Group, said staff were working from home and the newspaper’s website was down. Annapurna Post news coordinator Ramkala Khadka reported that operations at her outlet had been disrupted by the arson attack, forcing staff to work remotely.
At least four journalists have been injured while covering the protests. Dipendra Dhungana, a photojournalist with Naya Patrika, was struck in the neck by a rubber bullet fired by police. Nepal Press photographer Umesh Karki and Kantipur TV video journalist Shyam Shrestha were also hit by rubber bullets. Deshsanchar photojournalist Barsha Shaha was injured after being struck by stones.
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