As a nonpartisan organization of journalists
dedicated to the defense of our colleagues around the world, CPJ condemns the
criminal prosecution of Rajesh Bhattarai. CPJ believes that no journalist
should be imprisoned for his or her work. In instances where a journalist has
committed an error, the publication of an apology or clarification should be an
adequate remedy. More serious cases, such as those involving allegations of
defamation, may warrant legal action, but we believe even these cases should be
resolved at the civil level. If authorities think that a journalist¿s work
presents a serious threat to state security, the government should first prove
that imminent harm is the likely result of a particular report. There seems to
be no justification for Bhattarai¿s arrest fifteen months after his newspaper
published a report that, while controversial, did not affect public order in
any way.
CPJ calls on Sikkimese authorities to cease their
unjust persecution of Rajesh Bhattarai. Thank you for your attention to this
urgent matter. We await your response.
Sincerely,
Ann K. Cooper
Executive Director
cc: His Excellency Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister
Lal Krishna Advani, Home Minister
South Asian Journalists Association
American Society of Newspaper Editors
Amnesty International
Article 19 (United Kingdom)
Artikel 19 (The Netherlands)
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
Freedom Forum
Freedom House
Human Rights Watch
Index on Censorship
International Center for Journalists
International Federation of Journalists
International PEN
International Press Institute