Freedom Forum has serious concern over the attack upon journalist in Dhangadi on May 5. Sub-editor at Dinesh FM 98.3 MHz Janak Bista was attacked by a local businessman Tejendra Thapa while reporting. Dhangadi lies in Far-west province of Nepal.
FF's representative for the Province Min Bam reported that businessman Thapa attacked journalist Bista while reporting on the rented shutters space provided by the local school Trinagar Secondary School, to the businessman.
"Following the complaint on the rented shutters, journalist Bista had reached Principal's office to talk to the Principal. Thapa then suddenly entered the room and attacked him speaking using abusive words", informed representative Bam quoting the journalist Bista. Businessman Thapa was one of the tenants to rent the shutter.
After the attack Journalist Bista sustained a minor injury in his mouth and hence received treatment in the hospital.
The incident is vehemently condemnable and gross violation of press freedom. Attacking journalist on duty is against the notion of free press and right to information guaranteed by the constitution. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to investigate the case seriously and ensure justice to the journalist thereby, creating free and fair atmosphere for journalists.
Update
On May 6, 2019, after the day of the incident, the businessman was arrested by the security officials.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/4102022