US and UK express concern over disruption on free press

The embassies of the US and the UK on Tuesday have expressed serious concern over the disruption in the publication of The Himalayan Times (THT) and  Annapurna Post (AP).

"Intimidation against free media undermines democracy by suppressing free speech. Maoist union-affiliated activities against these newspapers directly contradict claims by their leaders to support democracy and free media. The freedom of speech is critical to the holding of free and fair elections in November," a statement issued by the US embassy said on Tuesday.

Similarly, the British embassy statement said, “Media houses must be allowed to function without intimidation and interference.”

The statement added the industrial dispute should be peacefully resolved through normal dispute resolution mechanism, not by forcibly preventing production or distribution.

"This harms democracy by denying people the right to information. UK urges all involved to behave responsibly," the statement added.

Maoist -aligned trade union workers have been disrupting the printing and distribution of THT and AP for last five days.

NBA condemns attacks on media

Meanwhile, The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) on Tuesday condemned the rising attacks on free press from various sectors.

The NBA termed the current disruption on newspapers and FM stations as a threat on independent press, which is in gross violation of people's right to information guaranteed by the Interim Constitution.

“The NBA calls on all concerned not to interfere in the freedom of the press. It also calls on the government to create an environment favourable for the media to work freely,” a statement issued by Acting NBA President Hari Prasad Uprety said.