Business persons have been frequently issuing a death threat to Nagendra Upadhyay, a journalist from Surkhet for writing news about the encroachment of public land by the business persons. The threat came after the publication of news in Nagarik daily on December 24, 2019.
As per FF's representative for Province 6, Laxmi Bhandari, local entrepreneurs who have been misusing the land threatened journalist in many ways- through phone calls, meetings, and social media platforms. Moreover, picketing of journalist's home has also been one to threaten journalists.
While talking to Bhandari, journalist Upadhyay shared, '' I have been threatened frequently after news published in Nagarik daily. Now, I am feared and distressed as it is difficult for me to walk freely.''
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is sheer violation of press freedom. Journalist should not be threatened merely for writing news. Local business persons who have been encroaching the land must be brought to book and concerned authorities need to take legal action against them. It is the right and duty of the journalist to bring into light those misconduct and irregularities occurring in society as journalists are the watchdog of society. Also, the security agency is strongly urged to provide safety to journalist Upadhyay in view of possible attacks on him.
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