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Journalism of Courage
Ahead of a general strike called by Nepal’s seven-party alliance from April 6, King Gyanendra’s government today banned protest rallies in Kathmandu for an indefinite period.
The royal government also tightened an anti-terror law, allowing it to jail anyone in contact with Maoists as a “terrorist accomplice”, The Kathmandu Post reported today.
The government amended the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Ordinance (TADO) by adding new provisions that could be used against journalists and political activists. The ordinance, the newspaper reported, defines “terrorist accomplices” as those with any contact with the rebels. Dissemination of Maoist-related information is also punishable. Offenders could face up to 3 years imprisonment or Rs 50,000 in fine or both.
Political leaders said they fear the amended law would be used against them because they have thrown their support behind the four-day strike which begins Thursday and is aimed at mounting pressure on King Gyanendra to restore democracy.
Ian Martin, representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal, too expressed concern over the new amendment in TADO. The ban on rallies comes two days before the general strike called by the alliance.
Meanwhile, the police arrested over 50 activists belonging to the Madhesi community, including Nepal Sadbhavana Party (A) general secretary Rajendra Mahato, and nsp Vice-President Hridayesh Tripathi, from a rally here.
