Photojournalist Suresh Rajak Killed During Pro-Monarchy Protest in Nepal

On March 28, 2025, photojournalist Suresh Rajak tragically lost his life while covering a pro-monarchy protest in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu, Nepal. Rajak, who served as the head of the camera and video division at Avenues Television, was reporting from a building that was set ablaze by demonstrators. Trapped inside, he was unable to escape the flames, leading to his untimely death.

The violent protest, organized by supporters of Nepal’s former royal family, escalated into chaos, resulting in multiple casualties and significant property damage, including targeted attacks on media establishments. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), along with its affiliates—the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and the Nepal Press Union (NPU)—strongly condemned Rajak’s death and called for an immediate investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay also condemned the killing, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and accountability. She stated, “Journalists must be able to exercise their duties with the necessary safety and protection”.

Despite these calls, the judicial investigation into Rajak’s death has yielded no results, with no arrests made as of early May 2025. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has urged the Nepalese authorities to expedite the investigation effectively and impartially.

The FNJ highlighted a broader trend of violence against journalists in Nepal, revealing that 38 journalists have been killed since 1999, including two in the past year—Suresh Rajak and Suresh Bhul. The federation also recorded 73 press freedom violations between April 2024 and April 2025, affecting 151 journalists and five media outlets.

Rajak’s death underscores the increasing dangers faced by journalists in Nepal and the urgent need for measures to ensure their safety and uphold press freedom.