Geneva: Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), the global media safety and rights body expresses shock over the killing of a Nepali journalist in Kathmandu on 28 March 2025 and demanded a fair probe into the tragic incidents which led to the demise of television journalist Suresh Rajak. Local media reports reveal that Rajak was burnt alive by a violent pro-monarchy mob in Tinkune locality of Nepal’s capital city. The protestors were calling for restoring monarchy in the south Asian nation.
During the protest, demonstrators vandalized and set fire to a house in Teku. Journalist Rajak (35), who had gone to capture photos and videos of the protest, was unable to escape when the building caught fire, according to Nepal Police spokesperson Dinesh Kumar Acharya. Acharya further stated that Rajak’s body was found on the fourth floor of the burned building.
The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) expressed serious concern over the attacks on several media houses during the pro-monarchy movement and condemned the killing of Rajak from Avenues TV, who was busy gathering visuals at the spot. The journalists organized a condolence meeting on Saturday at Radhakrishna Chowk in Kathmandu and also demanded legal actions against the perpetrators as well as safety & security to media persons.
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“We here in PEC express profound grief at the untimely demise of television cameraperson Suresh Rajak while doing his duty. The protesters have the right to demonstrate their anger, but they should not take laws into their hands. We hope a fair probe will be launched and book the culprits,” said Blaise Lempen, president of PEC (www.pressemblem.ch/), adding that the government of Nepal should also adequately compensate the bereaved family.
PEC’s south and southeast Asia representative Nava Thakuria informed that Rajak is the first journalist to be killed in Nepal since 1 Januray 2025 where he is the 44th journalist killed globally till date this year. Last year the relatively peaceful Hindu majority nation with over 29 million people lost one journalist (Suresh Bhul from Gauriganga of Nepal) to assailants.
Nava Thakuria is a senior Indian journalist who contributes to various media outlets including print and digital platforms of India and across the world.