Publisher and Director of Tvannapurna.com, Raju Subedi received death threats and abusive messages on social media over his reporting on February 27.
Journalist Subedi informed Freedom Forum (FF) that while reporting on election activities in Baglung, he received a tip-off about the alleged illegal issuance of Nepali citizenship certificates to Indian nationals.
On February 26 he published a news report stating alleged involvement of local political leaders in issuing citizen certificates. Subedi told FF that the news was based on documents received from news sources.
Following the publication, party cadres posted abusive content on Facebook targeting Subedi and accusing him of acting against their party. Subedi shared screenshots of the posts and messages with FF. The posts and messages contain death threats, threats of arson at his residence and calls to attack him wherever he is found, if he doesnot delete the published news.
Subedi informed local adiminstration and police about the incident. "Baglung Chief District Officer Krishna Prasad Adhikari told me that he was unable to ensure my protection amid severe threats against me, especially with the election around the corner. In this situation, I do not feel secure continuing my reporting”, said journalist Subedi.
Freedom Forum strongly condemns the threats issued against the journalist. Those concerned should approach Press Council Nepal if they have any dissatisfaction with the published content. Threatening and harassing a journalist for their reporting is a clear violation of press freedom. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authorities to take immediate measures to ensure his safety and security, allowing him to continue reporting without fear.
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