FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2005
AS-13-2005
A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission
February will be a chilling month for Democrats, Human Rights Workers and Media in Nepal
Despite international condemnation concerning Nepal’s return to a state of absolute monarchy, King Gyanendra intends to utilise his new-found power to suppress those within the country who oppose him. Since 1 February 2005 (the day of the coup), leading political figures from democratic parties, student leaders, civil society movements and media personnel have been arrested and their activities outlawed in the King’s attempt to suppress all opponents to his new regime. All criticism of and activities against the absolute monarch have been deemed an illegal offense within the coming six months. This essentially means that any activity that challenges the outlawing of democracy in Nepal is now a criminal offense, and thus, those who participate in it are liable to punishment.
Those most affected by this situation are journalists and others in the media. The following statement by Reporters without Borders, issued on February 4, expresses clearly the situation regarding media freedom after the coup:
Reporters Without Borders voiced outrage today at the drastic manner in which King Gyanendra and his army have wiped out the press freedom gains of the past 15 years, along with other democratic gains, since the coup detat on 1 February.
The state news media and ten privately-owned media have been put under direct military control. Dozens of news media have been closed in the provinces. The authorities have banned any negative reporting about the regime for six months. Dozens of journalists are pursued by the security forces, including the president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ). And foreign news media correspondents are being prevented from working freely.
By criminalizing the right to inform and by bringing a vibrant and courageous independent press to its knees, the king is responsible for the most important setback to freedom in 15 years, Reporters Without Borders said, voicing support for the FNJs call for demonstrations to defend Nepalese democracy.
Those who continue to pursue democracy, human rights and freedom of expression face a real threat of imprisonment. With this comes the risk of assault, torture and even custodial death. While such possibilities may sound dramatic, our experience with Nepal in recent years has revealed the reality of human rights violations – including disappearances, torture and death – in the country’s prisons. With the complete removal of the limited safeguards that were in place prior to the King’s latest actions, the rights and freedoms of Nepalese will only get worse.
In the serious circumstances that Nepal now finds itself in, mere expressions of concern by the international community will not suffice. Knowing well that such a coup has not been carried out on the spur of the moment but rather following a long term resentment of the limited democratic reforms of the 1990 Constitution, it would be a betrayal of the people of Nepal to treat the coup as a passing event and to leave the protection of the people in the hands of a dictator pursuing the ruthless ambition of restoring the absolute privileges of the monarchy.
The Press Freedom Organisation has urged the international community to freeze aid to the Government of Nepal immediately. The Asian Human Rights Commission supports this call as it is only strong practical intervention that can have an impact on the present situation and allow room for the protection of people and for the Nepalese to engage themselves in determining their own future. We have also called earlier on the UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, to instigate a UN Security Council Resolution on the situation in Nepal mandating strong measures towards the re-establishment of democracy, freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of movement. We also call upon the UN Human Rights Commissioner, Louise Arbour to explore all the possibilities of placing international monitors at all detention centres including the granting of access to the International Red Cross. In recent times Nepal has regressed in terms of economic, social and political development. Under these circumstances the present coup may mark the beginning of a colossal crisis in the country. The Asian Human Rights Commission has many times warned that a crisis of Cambodian proportions looms large in the political scenario of Nepal. It is only strong and practical intervention by the international community that will save the lives and return democracy to the people of Nepal. Every person, every government and all international human rights organisations must now ask themselves if they are doing everything possible to restore democracy and stability to Nepal. If the believe they are not, then they must improve their contribution immediately.
In light of the above, the Asian Human Rights Commission urges that:
a. All aid to Nepal be frozen forthwith;
b. Nepal’s status in the United Nations be suspended for its violating of the UN charter;
c. All military assistance and cooperation to the Nepalese Armed Forces be suspended;
d. A UN Envoy be permanently present within Nepal so as to facilitate the return to democracy;
e. The UN appoint a Special Rapporteur to constantly monitor the human rights situation in Nepal.
