Editor-in-Chief at Hamropaila.com, Ganesh Pokhrel was abused on social media over his reporting on January 5. The news portal operates from Kapilvastu, Lumbini Province. Pokhrel is also Station Manager at Radio Banganga, which is based in Kapilvastu.
Editor Pokhrel shared with Freedom Forum that news on internal dispute within Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was published on the portal along with an audio clip of a conversation between leaders. Following the publication, two persons- Krishna Pariyar and Shivacharan Chaudhary wrote abusive posts on social media along with Pokhrel's photograph. The posts stated- "Know him. He is a journalist bought by the party's Chairperson. and Mr. Pokhrel, be aware and improve yourself in time or face consequesnces."
Editor Pokhrel informed FF that the audio was published with consent from the RSP's Kapilvastu Chairperson Shiva Kumar Subedi. "That was the first time I spoke to the Chairperson, and I donot know him personally. I have evidence of my conversation with him. Instead of adopting legitimate process for discontent over news, their posts have harmed my personal and professional reputation. I will seek legal remedies against this act", said Pokhrel adding, "They even called me through unknown numbers and wrote threatening messages."
After Pokhrel stated that he would seek legal action, they deleted their social media posts yesterday (January 6). However, Pokhrel said he would file cybercrime case against those them at Area Police Office, Banganga, Kapilvastu today (January 7).
Freedom Forum condemns the harassment of a journalist for his reporting. It is a gross violation of press freedom. The concerened is free to register complaint for any concern over published news at the Press Council Nepal. Abusing and threatening journalists for news reporting is a sheer violation of press freedom.
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