Reporter with Himalkhabar.com, Gopal Dahal, received a threat for his reporting on January 22. Dahal is an investigative journalist from Sunsari, Koshi Province.
Talking to Freedom Forum, reporter Dahal shared that news about excessive expenses of Nepal Tourism Board in an award function organized by a private organization was published on the portal in his byline on January 21. Following its publication, president of the organizing company Satya Kala Tamang called at the media house office referring to the journalist and threatened him of attack.
The news had Tamang's quotes where she had shared details of the award function and incurred expenses.
Reporter Dahal said that Tamang threatened him of physical attack. "I am seeking support from fellow journalists and the media house," he shared.
Earlier on December 4, reporter Dahal was threatened by the Mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City of ending his career for his investigative reporting.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to reporter over published news. It is violation of press freedom. Such continuous threat to journalist for his professional work not only discourage him but also lead to self-censorship. If there is any dissatisfaction with news content, the concerned should approach Press Council Nepal instead of intimidating journalists and media outlets.
Freedom Forum strongly urges the concerned authorities to ensure Dahal's safety to prevent any untoward incidents.
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Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np