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Reconciliation better way to address war crimes: Mokhtar



Kathmandu, Jan 18: Hatef Mokhtar, the editor in chief of The Oslo News Network, Norway and human rights activist, has opined that national reconciliation is a better way to address war crimes. Mokhtar’s opinion comes at a time, when national and international human rights organizations have been slamming the Nepali government for not constituting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for trying war crimes committed by state forces and the rebels during the 10-year long Maoist insurgency.

Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal here today, he claimed that forgiveness is a better way to move ahead while maintaining that crimes that are committed by particularly identified people should be tried in the court of law. “If people have have proof against someone for a particular crimes, it should be tried in the court of law. Nepal has strong justice mechanism, and it should be used for trying such war crimes,” Mokhtar said at the interaction program presided by Reporters Club Nepal’s president Rishi Dhamala.

Expressing his ‘feelings’ on the ongoing efforts of Nepali political parties in drafting constitution and the protests carried out by disgruntled communities and groups on the streets, he said “protests are part of a strong and thriving democracy. People are fighting for their rights. Debates and discussions are tools to improve any shortcomings in the constitution of any nations.”

Referring to questions on his opinion on Nepal’s efforts for adopting federalism, he suggested that Nepalese should consider their nation’s geo political strategic position while writing the constitutions and claimed that the days of ‘banana republic’ were long gone. “Nepal should take its time for allowing every Nepalese to know their options to be included in the constitution. It should ensure that the new constitution corresponds to the aspirations of every Nepalese, only than it will truly align with democratic values.”

Stating that journalist across the world have been struggling to bring out the truth, he called on Nepalese journalists to be aware of ‘yellow journalism.’ “Yellow journalism is the worst and common enemy the journalist community faces today, we should stand united to fight against it.” Moktar denounced the recent attacks by terrorists on French weekly while also cautioning journalists to respect rights, feelings and sentiments of other communities. He said that journalists should respect the right of expression and should be careful as not to hurt other’s sentiments in doing so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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