Station manager at Radio Malmala 88.6 MHz Tika Ram Kharel was attacked at a local school in Rupandehi on July 8. Rupandehi district lies in Lumbini province of Nepal.
According to journalist Kharel, he had registered an RTI application requesting information on budget allocated and expenses for Saina Maina Model Secondary School's construction and functional activities a month ago. "I was not satisfied with the information provided by the school so I went to meet principal of the school on the day of incident", he added.
"While I was talking towards the Principal and Chairperson in school premises, security guard at school suddenly started beating me with stick. I received injury in my hand.", Kharel informed.
Thereafter, journalist Kharel lodged a complaint at Area Police Office, Rupandehi on July 9, seeking personal safety, and punishment to the attacker.
Freedom Forum is concerned towards the incident. Attack upon a journalist for seeking information is sheer violation of press freedom and right to information.
The school is a public agency and must share information, and respect journalists.
For more,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np