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The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) requested the Maoist chairman Prachanda to use the full weight of his authority to immediately secure the safe release of journalist Birendra Shah.
In a letter addressed to Prachanda on Friday, IFJ Asia Pacific Director Jacqueline Park expressed the dismay of the IFJ regarding the abduction and continuing unknown whereabouts of Shah.
Another journalist with Shah at the time was also abducted, beaten and then released a few hours later. She said, "We are deeply concerned that these personal attacks were made against journalists while carrying out their professional duties. The abduction of journalists is an attack on the fundamental right to freedom of speech, and damages Nepal's democratic processes." nepalnews.com ia Nov 02 07