District Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Syangja has filed a complaint against journalist Roshan Lamichhane on April 13. Syangja is located in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
Lamichhane is associated with www.aandhikholaexpress.com and is also Syangja correspondent for Kantipur Television.
According to Freedom Forum's provincial representative Rajan Pokhrel, Chairperson Mahadev Shrestha and General Secretary Rabin KC of the Chamber filed the complaint at the District Administration Office, accusing journalist Lamichhane of publishing misleading news.
The news about on alleged illegal activities during the inauguration of a fair organized by the Chamber in Syangja, and the sale of inedible food items at the evenpt were published on the porta;. Following the publication, local authorities conducted an inspection of the fair.
Representative Pokhrel further informed that former Chief District Officer (CDO) Sunita Nepal forwarded the complaint to the police, seeking action against the journalist.
Pokhrel also quoted journalist Lamichhane as saying that he was being targeted because the Chamber was forced to pay taxes for a previous fair after news reports were published. However, current CDO, Ishwari Prasad Aryal, stated that the complaint has been forwarded to the Press Council Nepal.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the harassment faced by the journalist for performing his duty. The administrative authority should be aware of journalists’ rights to free reporting. Accepting the complaint and initiating action is a misuse of administrative power. This case clearly falls under the jurisdiction of the Press Council Nepal. Hence, Freedom Forum further urges the council for a fair investigation on the case.
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