January 13, 2009, Kathmandu, Nepal: Reporters from the Jagaran Media Center (JMC) are joining other journalists across Nepal in protest after the brutal murder of a Nepalese journalist who reported on women’s rights.

Uma Singh, 26, who had written several articles criticizing the dowry system, was hacked to death in her home Sunday night. Her killing is part of a growing and troubling pattern of violence directed at reporters in Nepal, according to the country’s United Nations’ human rights office.

The Federation of Nepalese Journalists released a report at the end of 2008 recording 284 incidents against journalists — including three deaths and a kidnapping. The incidents also included shutting down media outlets, burning copies of magazines, and beatings.

JMC issued a press release condemning the killing, and offered their solidarity in support of press freedom, program manager Prakash Mohara said. JMC journalists also participated in protests calling on the government to end the killings of jouralists and ensure their safety, he said.

JMC, which reports on caste-based discrimination and Dalit issues in Nepal, is a partner of The Advocacy Project.