Executive Editor at Geruwakarnalipost.com, Santosh Paudel, received threats on September 20 over his reporting. The incident took place in Bardiya, Lumbini Province of Nepal.
According to editor Paudel, leader of a local youth group, Naresh Singh, issued threat by phone regarding news published on September 19 on the media’s social media page. The news had brief information about the group’s submission of memorandum to the Geruwa Rural Municipality demanding an end to corruption and irregularities.
Following the update, Singh called editor Paudel and questioned why he did not publish detailed information regarding their demands and discussion with the Municipality’s Chairperson. Singh further accused Paudel of being bribed by the Municipality and warned that he was on their target.
Editor Paudel further informed that the newly formed group’s leader Singh threatened him for not publishing news as per their interest.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident for it violated journalists’ right to work in an atmosphere free of intimidation. If the person had discontent over the news, he could adopt a procedure to lodge complaint at Press Council Nepal, but threatening journalists over news is sheer violation of media rights.
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