Nepal: Nepalese journalist escapes murder attempt

IFEX

Federation of Nepali Journalists 30 April 2013 The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) is seriously concerned over an attempt on the life of journalist Ganesh Basnet. He was travelling on a motorcycle when he was followed and hit a number of times by a private vehicle bearing the licence plate number Ba 8 Cha 4707 in Thapathali, Kathmandu (Central Region of Nepal). Basnet is also an FNJ Councillor and news editor of Rajdhani Daily. The incident occurred at around 11:05 PM on 27 April 2013, while Basnet was returning home from his office located nearby in Kupondole, Lalitpur.

According to the journalist, the car suddenly began following him from a crossing in Thapathali and started striking the moving motorcycle. Basnet was able to save himself by taking the motorcycle over a pedestrian path on the car's third attempt to hit him. The journalist was returning home with his colleague Bhim Rai on the same motorcycle, bearing number plate Ba 10 Pa 4069.

FNJ believes that any such attempt to attack a journalist is an action against press freedom and raises serious concerns over the professional security of journalists. In strong words FNJ condemns the attempt on Basnet's life. FNJ demands that the government immediately arrest those involved behind the incident and punish the guilty to show its seriousness on ensuring the professional security of journalists.