Freedom Forum is concerned over misbehavior meted out to journalists duo Samundra Poudel and Damber Adhikari for writing news in Tanahu on July 26. Tanahu lies in Gandaki Province.
Journalists Poudel and Adhikari are the editors of Khabarpati Saptayik and Setimadi Dainik respectively.
According to FF's representative for Gandaki province, Rajan Upadhyay, journalists were misbehaved during a press conference organized by Sukhla Gandaki municipality
Deputy Mayor Sabita Rasaili organized a conference to clarify the news about her controversial involvement on the construction of playground which was published in Setimadi Dainik few days back.
Earlier, journalist Adhikari had published news about the ill intention of deputy Mayor Rasaili behind the construction of the playground
Even though journalist Adhikari clarified the locals that he has proof about the published news, journalists were treated badly by the locals.
Journalists were not allowed to ask questions during the conference. Moreover, locals continuously behaved rudely and further, journalists were rescued from the place by security officials.
FF condemns the incident as it is against the right guaranteed by the constitution of Nepal. Threat and misbehave to journalists for writing news is not acceptable. Locals must understand the importance of journalists and must respect journalists' right to free reporting.
FF urges the concerned authority to investigate the matter seriously and ensure a safe environment for journalists.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
01-4102030/ 4102022
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np