Kalikot based reporter to the Annapurna Post national daily, Bishnu Prasad Neupane, was issued death threat for writing news on March 29. Kalikot district lies in Karnali Province of Nepal.
According to Freedom Forum's representative from Karnali Province Laxmi Bhandari, reporter Neupane had written news about misuse of ambulance by parliamentarians during lockdown. Since then, he has been receiving death threats and abusive messages through social media pages.
He has also been receiving several threatening and abusive messages on his mobile phone from lawmakers' relatives, informed Bhandari quoting reporter Neupane.
Issuing threat to journalists working during crisis is sheer irresponsibility of the lawmakers. Rather than setting example with good practice, such misuse of power by lawmakers is equally deplorable.
Freedom Forum condemns threat issued to journalist for writing news. It is gross violation of press freedom. Also, journalists are free to write news on the irregularities and malpractices in the society, parliament and government.
Hence, FF urges the lawmakers to resort to lawful ways if they have any reservation over news and stop harassing journalists. Again, FF requests the concerned authority to ensure safety and security of the journalists working at this time of risk and crisis.
For More Information
Freedom Forum
Kathmandu, Nepal