Archive ref no: NCA-18714
Document - Nepal: Further information on Fear for safety/fear of "disappearance".
PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 31/003/2002
4 January 2002
Further information on UA 304/01 (ASA 31/012/2001, 29 November 2001) - Fear for safety/fear of "disappearance"
NEPAL Om Sharma (m), Editor, Janadisha Daily
Deepak Mainali (m), Computer Operator, Janadisha Daily
Govinda Acharya (m), Editor, Janadesh Weekly
Khil Bahadur Bhandari (m), Executive Editor, Janadesh Weekly
Deepak Sapkota (m), Reporter, Janadesh Weekly
Ram Bhakta Maharjan (m), Computer operator, Janadesh Weekly
Ishwor Chandra Gyawali (m), Executive Editor, Dishabodh Monthly
Manarishi Dhital (m), Dishabodh Monthly
Nim Bahadur Budhathoki (m), Computer Operator, Dishabodh Monthly
Amnesty International has been informed that the above named editors, journalists and computer operators, who were arrested from their offices in the capital on 26 November 2001 and whose whereabouts were unknown for at least one month, have been transferred to Bhadragol Jail in Kathmandu. Their relatives are reported to have been given access to them on a regular basis.
The nine were reportedly arrested under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention and Control) Ordinance 2001 (TADO), on suspicion of being members or sympathizers of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN)(Maoist). It is reported that they have not so far been brought before a court and no habeas corpus petition (order requiring a detainee to be brought before a judge or into court) has been filed on their behalf.
No further action is required from the network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.