“I condemn the murder of Devi Prasad Dhital,” declared Ms Bokova. “Acts of violence against journalists are attacks on freedom of expression, a fundamental human right. They cannot be tolerated in a democratic society. I count on the Nepalese authorities to investigate thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Devi Prasad Dhital, known as Hemraj, was shot in the chest while riding his motorcycle in Urahari, about 12 kilometers from Tulsipur. His assailants fled. Rushed to hospital, he succumbed to his injuries later that night.

According to the non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Dhital, 45, was the third media owner to be killed this year. The motive for his murder is not yet known.