Freedom Forum is concerned over the death threat issued to Kalikot based reporter Ramesh Rawal on May 20. Kalikot is a far-western district in Karnali Province of Nepal.
Journalist Rawal is associated with Hamro Karnali Khabar daily and Thahakhabar Network.
According to FF's representative for the Province, Laxmi Bhandari, one Bishal Bista, son of Naraharinath Rural Municipality's Chairperson called on reporter's mobile at 3:00 pm on the day and threatened to 'break his hands and kill him.'
Bista issued the death threat to the reporter for publishing news on Chairperson's misuse of the municipality's vehicle. Following the news reporting, Bista, however, admitted that he issued the threat and further argued that he threatened the reporter for writing 'false news.'
FF representative further said after receiving death threat, journalist Rawal demanded security, registering the application at District Administrative Office.
FF condemns over the incident where journalist received a death threat for publishing news- the misuse of vehicle by people's representatives. It is journalists' right to free reporting. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect the rights of journalists and ensure a safe atmosphere for them. Even the concerned authority including police person is urged to provide safety to the journalists.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022
