Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
PTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilitiesWill PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battleDefying threats: Munizae Jahangir's story reveals what it costs to be a woman journalist in PakistanIndia revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outletsUkraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda reportTwo Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture videoThe Olympic Games: A timeless testament to human excellence and unityMexican journalist Alejandro Gallegos killed in TabascoTaliban sentence Afghan journalist Sayed Rahim Saeedi to three years in prisonThe struggles of Pakistan cricket: A system in disarray$10,000 award for journalists defending the rule of lawContrasting paths: White House welcomes digital media, Pakistan crushes it

Journalist's exile shows concern over Nepal's press freedom

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published September 25, 2016

Join our WhatsApp channel

Journalist's exile shows concern over Nepal's press freedom

KATHMANDU - A prominent local journalist who helped organize a gathering in Nepal of investigative reporters from throughout Asia was notably absent from the event, exiled to avoid possible arrest.

Journalist and publisher Kunda Dixit, who founded the Nepal Center for Investigative Journalism, is under investigation by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority. Global Investigative Journalism Network executive director David Kaplan, who worked with Dixit for more than a year to bring more than 350 journalists from 50 countries to Nepal this weekend, said Dixit is being targeted for prosecution and detention by Nepali officials, underscoring broader concerns about press freedom.

"He fled Nepal just weeks before this conference because of a witch hunt in which he's scared of being detained and imprisoned if he comes back here," said Kaplan. "Kunda is one of our best and we are here because of him. We are all going to continue fighting for what Kunda believes in."

Nepal's home ministry spokesperson Yadav Koirala said Dixit's issues are not related to the overall government and only concern the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

The commission's official Ganesh Raj Karki said his agency has no warrant or case against Dixit because he is not a public figure and thus cannot be charged. However, Dixit and his brother, also a publisher, are being investigated for the amount of property they have in their names.

Dixit said he's waiting for courts to grant him protection against unfair prosecution by the commission.

Some local journalists and editors say Dixit's situation highlights growing government pressure on journalists to avoid publishing anything that could cast authorities in a poor light, even if they're true and fairly reported. At least one news magazine is being forced to close, and a radio station was demolished last week after authorities said its building encroached on forest lands.

U.S. Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz told journalists that free press is an issue the State Department is closely watching in this impoverished Himalayan nation fraught with political instability. The ninth government in 10 years took power last month, and a constitution adopted last year both espouses a right to free expression and has clauses that seem potentially restrictive of the press.

"I don't think Nepal can have a healthy democracy at the end of the day if it doesn't have a healthy media and citizens aren't free to express themselves, as you say, without fear of dire consequences," said Teplitz, who would not speak specifically about Dixit's situation.

When pressed, she said having a free and open press is a high value to the U.S. which is at least officially espoused in Nepal.

"There are elements out there in a very politicized society with a lot of politicized institutions that are not as in love with that concept as we are," she said.

As for Dixit, he was sad to miss the conference where journalists shared tips, story ideas and research methods. He was supposed to introduce Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe editor Walter Robinson, featured in the Academy Award-winning film "Spotlight." Instead he sent a video from his unnamed location, drawing huge cheers.

"Our officials have refined their methods. They don't do anything as crude as jailing journalists anymore. Censorship today is achieved by behind-the-scenes threats which can be even more insidious and sinister," he told The Associated Press.- AP

PTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilities

PTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilities

 February 07, 2025:  PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.

Will PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battle

Will PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battle

 February 06, 2025:  PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.

Defying threats: Munizae Jahangir's story reveals what it costs to be a woman journalist in Pakistan

Defying threats: Munizae Jahangir's story reveals what it costs to be a woman journalist in Pakistan

 February 06, 2025:  Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.

Contrasting paths:  White House welcomes digital media, Pakistan crushes it

Contrasting paths: White House welcomes digital media, Pakistan crushes it

 January 29, 2025:  As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.

PECA amendments further tighten government's grip on digital expression: IFJ

PECA amendments further tighten government's grip on digital expression: IFJ

 January 29, 2025:  Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.

Digital Rights Forum warns of threat to free speech under PECA (Amendment) Act, 2025

Digital Rights Forum warns of threat to free speech under PECA (Amendment) Act, 2025

 January 28, 2025:  The Forum for Digital Rights and Democracy has raised concerns over the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, highlighting its risks to free speech, democratic values, and digital rights in Pakistan.

A dark day for press freedom in Pakistan: PECA Amendments spark outrage

A dark day for press freedom in Pakistan: PECA Amendments spark outrage

 January 28, 2025:  The Pakistan Senate's passage of the PECA Amendments Bill has sparked national and international outrage, marking a dark chapter for media freedom and free speech in the country.

CPJ calls on Pakistani authorities to end harassment, deportation of Afghan journalists

CPJ calls on Pakistani authorities to end harassment, deportation of Afghan journalists

 January 23, 2025:  CPJ exposes Pakistan's dangerous deportation of Afghan journalists fleeing Taliban persecution, highlighting critical human rights violations and press freedom challenges. #JournalistSafety

Newsroom
India revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outlets

India revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outlets

 February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.

Ukraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda report

Ukraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda report

 February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.

Two Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture video

Two Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture video

 February 03, 2025 Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat have been detained on incitement charges after publishing a video allegedly showing torture in a cyberscam center. Press freedom advocates call for their immediate release.

The Olympic Games: A timeless testament to human excellence and unity

The Olympic Games: A timeless testament to human excellence and unity

 February 03, 2025 Explore the rich history and philosophical significance of the Olympic Games, from their ancient Greek origins to their modern revival. Discover how the ideals of excellence, unity, and human resilience continue to inspire the world through the Olympic spirit.

Mexican journalist Alejandro Gallegos killed in Tabasco

Mexican journalist Alejandro Gallegos killed in Tabasco

 February 02, 2025 Journalist Alejandro Gallegos Leon was found dead in Tabasco, Mexico after being reported missing. CPJ urges authorities to swiftly investigate and address the ongoing violence against journalists.