Managing Editor at Aarthiknews.com, Indra Baniya, received threats of assault for covering a news report on August 15. The portal is operated from Kathmandu, the federal capital in Bagmati Province.
Editor Baniya shared with Freedom Forum that the news article, published on August 14 under the headline “Dozens of staff appointed at National Trauma Center through financial dealings; Health Minister silent on the complaints filed against the Chief,” exposed irregularities in staff recruitment and equipment procurement at the National Trauma Center, Kathmandu. The story was based on complaints lodged by victim employees at the Prime Minister’s Office, Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, National Vigilance Center, Department of Money Laundering Investigation, and the Ministry of Health, demanding action against Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Badri Rijal.
Following the publication, a woman identifying herself as a staff member of the center called Baniya and threatened to break his hands and legs and even kill him. According to Baniya, she further said that she could “do anything” because she came from the district of a leading political party's leader. Similarly, Health Assistant at the center, Upendra Dhami, also called Baniya using a threatening tone.
Baniya further said that the caller’s number was found to belong to Shobha Thakuri, through Truecaller application. But the name was not mentioned in the news report, he wondered. “Then, I informed District Administration Office, Kathmandu, and the Police Circle, Singhadurbar,” Baniya informed.
On August 17, the parties reached a reconciliation during a discussion facilitated at the police office following the complaint.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as a gross violation of press freedom. The concerned authorities are urged to adopt legitimate way through the Press Council Nepal to address concerns over published news, rather than issuing threats to journalists and media.
For information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np