Nepal press demands freedoms

Troops are accused of breaching human rights

By Sushil Sharma BBC correspondent in Kathmandu

Journalists across Nepal have taken to the streets to protest against government-imposed restrictions on the media.

They say press freedoms have come under attack since a state of emergency was imposed in the Himalayan kingdom last year.

We are protesting at the government's terrorising of journalists

Taranath Dahal,
Journalists' Federation

More than 200 demonstrators marched through the streets of the capital, Kathmandu, demanding freedom for the media.

Many carried candles and lanterns to highlight what they said was darkness surrounding their profession.

There were reports of similar protests in other parts of the country.

The demonstrations were part of a campaign launched by the Nepalese Journalists' Federation.

Its president, Taranath Dahal, said the government has been misusing its powers to gag the press.

'Arrests and torture'

Nepal has been under a state of emergency since last year, when the government launched a military offensive against Maoists rebels.

Mr Dahal said more than 100 journalists had been arrested since then, and some of them are still languishing in jails.

He alleged that many journalists had been harassed and tortured in custody.

But the authorities say emergency restrictions are aimed only at those who encourage and support the rebels.

More than 4,000 people are believed to have been killed since the Maoist insurgency was launched six years ago.