Madhesh Province Bureau Chief of Avenues Television, Baidhyanath Yadav, was attacked while covering an event in Saptari, Madhesh Province, Nepal.
Yadav told Freedom Forum that he was livestreaming a protest staged by locals after the death of Lalu Yadav, Chairperson of a local school management committee. “Meanwhile, a group of people attempted to attack me with weapons. They were also shouting to damage my reporting equipment. Fortunately, I was able to escape injury,” he said.
Security officers rescued journalist Yadav and took him to a safe location. Speaking to Freedom Forum on August 12, Yadav said that while the police administration had assured his safety, no action has been taken against the attackers.
Lalu Yadav had died on August 5 in police firing during a security operation against liquor smuggling.
Freedom Forum expresses concern over the incident. Journalists covering protest are always in threat of attack. Hence, FF urges the security authorities to ensure safety of journalists and also reminds journalists to prioritize their own safety while reporting protests and demonstrations.
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