Police officers attacked journalists Mahendra Sapkota and Bhim Bahadur Sijapati while reporting at the vote counting site in Dailekh on May 16. Dailekh lies in Karnali Province of Nepal.
Journalists Sapkota and Sijapati are associated with Avenues Television and Radio Nepal respectively.
Police used force and started baton charge upon journalists and public in the crowd following a clash among cadres at the vote counting site.
Journalist Sijapati shared with Freedom Forum, "Even though we raised our hands and showed our press identity card, police persons pounded baton over us. We have received injuries on hands and legs."
Police inspector on-duty also threatened the reporters to take whatever action they could against the attack, informed Sijapati.
Journalist Sijapati also urges the attackers through FF to apologize for the attack and disrespect to journalists and media.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack as it is a sheer violation of press freedom. In the name of controlling clashes or protests, police officers have no right to attack journalists and general public. Moreover, attacking journalists despite revealing their identity is strictly against journalists right to free press.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned officers to apologize for the attack and contribute to fearless reporting atmosphere.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np