Editor at https://eparinews.com/ , Bijay Rana, was attacked while reporting in Baglung on January 6. Baglung lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
According to Freedom Forum’s representative from Gandaki Province, Rajan Pokhrel, police persons severely beat Rana while reporting at Baglung Festival. They also seized his mobile phone.
FF also talked to a fellow journalist Taranath Acharya. Journalist Acharya shared with Freedom Forum that on January 6, journalist Rana was taking video of police persons baton-charging public after the festival was over at around 9:30 pm. Meanwhile, they tried to attack journalist Rana. However, Rana's display of identity card as a journalist minimized the hostility.
“The main police officer seized Rana’s mobile and beat him severely. Due to attack, Rana got deep bruises on his left hand and body parts. He received treatment in Dhaulagiri hospital and is under medication at his home today (January 7). Police have not returned his mobile phone either. We demand action against the police officer assaulting journalist on duty”, said journalist Acharya.
Freedom Forum condemns the brutal attack on a journalist while covering news. It is an absolute violation of press freedom. Police persons attacking the public and journalist instead of providing security during the public event is deplorable. FF demands appropriate action against the police officer for such atrocity. The police must return journalist's digital gadget. FF strongly urges security organization to instruct its staffs to respect journalists' rights and safety.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np