Chairperson and Chief editor at Paschim Today’s print and online edition, Dirgharaj Upadhyaya, received threats for articles published in the media. The incident took place in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal.
Freedom Forum's representative for the province Min Bam reported that journalist Upadhyaya had published three articles on February 17 and February 18 on the news portal. He had raised concerns of locals in his articles- "Dhangadhi’s Brightness: Illusion and Reality – Part 1 and 2" and "The Mayor left us helpless", say displaced people,"it’s hard to survive."
The articles are about Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City's Mayor Gopi Hamal's arbitrariness in the road expansion and other development projects which have left citizens displaced. Journalist Upadhyaya has highlighted the plight of displaced people and their grievances in the articles.
Following their publication, Upadhyaya received multiple threats from Mayor Hamal’s supporters both on social media and personally.
Representative Bam shared that the supporters have been threatening Upadhyaya and his family members from fake social media accounts and causing him mental distress. Again on February 23, Mayor Hamal shared his video on social media stating that he would answer the journalist's allegations in right time.
Following this, Upadhyaya along with fellow journalists submitted an application to Chief District Officer (CDO), Kailali Gogan Hamal demanding protection.
According to representative Bam, CDO Hamal said, "Threatening and mentally harassing journalists over news reports is against the law thus, this case will be prosecuted under cyber law."
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to journalist for his reporting. This is severe violation of press freedom. The Mayor and his supporters are urged to follow legitimate way to express dissent over the articles published.
FF further urges the concerned authority to ensure journalist's safety and to take action against those issuing threats to the journalist.
For more,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforu.org.np