Freedom Forum has been alarmed by the attack on journalist Sanjita Dhamala by the supporters of Dharan Sub-Metropolis' Mayor Harka Sampang on July 17 . The Sub-Metropolis is in Koshi Province.
Journalist Dhamala shared with Freedom Forum that while she was waiting in a line for treatment at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, a group of 15-20 people attacked her, saying they were suppoters of Mayor Sampang. They tore her clothes in the attack.
Dhamala was, however, rescued by the security persons at the hospital. Later, she lodged a complaint at the District Police Office, Sunsari seeking legal action against the attackers. Police arrested five attackers, while remaining ones are yet to be identified. On July 18, police again arrested two attackers.
According to her, the incident was a result of Mayor Sampang's supporters' vengeance against her. Earlier on July 5, Mayor Sampang had misbehaved with Dhamala by using policepersson to force her out of his office.
FF deplores Mayor Sampang's repeated action discrediting media and attacks upon journalists. Despite being a public person, he used force to tame journalist merely for questioning him at a program. He has shown utmost hostility to press freedom. Intolerance to media persons and free speech is condemnable.
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