Mahottari based reporter to Annapurna post national daily Raj Karan Mahato was manhandled while reporting on April 20. Mahottari lies in Province 2 of Nepal.
According to Freedom Forum's representative Rajan Singh, reporter Mahato was reporting on dispute arose among people while discussing about their financial transaction in the premises of Area Police Office, Mahottari. In the meantime, a police person seized Mahato's mobile and deleted photos and videos recorded on his mobile.
Furthermore, Police persons not only abused him for taking videos of the scene but also threatened him of arrest.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is sheer violation of press freedom. Journalists have right to report on the public issues.
Hence, FF urges the concerned authority to be aware of journalists' rights and cooperate with them.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np