Cameraperson at Kantipur Television Sanjay Luitel was manhandled and his device broken while reporting on December 5. The incident took place in the federal capital of Nepal.
According to Cameraperson Luitel, he was reporting on a case of fake Bhutanese refugees scam at Kathmandu District Court. He was recording video of one of the convicts, Sandeep Rayamajhi who was being taken to police vehicle after court hearing. At the same time, Rayamajhi hit Luitel and and his camera while entering into the police van. Luitel was hit on face and has swelling on his cheeks. Boom of the camera was also broken.
It shows journalists on investigative reporting are targeted more.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. Attacking a journalist while reporting in presence of the security persons is a gross violation of press freedom. The incident shows sheer disrespect towards journalists. The security authority should ensure safety of journalists.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np