Journalists reporting on a public event were verbally abused and obstructed from reporting on April 7 in Tanahun district. Tanahun lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
Speaking to Freedom Forum, Federation of Nepali Journalists Tanahun, DP Adhikari, who was present at the event, said that around 10 media persons covering the program were subjected to abuse.
According to Adhikari, the journalists were at the Vyas Municipality conference hall to report on an event focused on curbing corruption. During the program, Narayan Prasad Regmi, Chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA Pokhara office) told reporters that they had not requested his permission before recording video while he was speaking. He further claimed that recording video without his permission could also be considered 'corruption'.
Adhikari added, “We clarified to Regmi that we were there to report on a public event concerning good governance. If we are not allowed to report, we would rather boycott the program.” The journalists then left the venue without reporting, he said.
Freedom Forum condemns such behavior by a public authority toward media professionals. They have the right to report on issues of public concern. FF urges the authority to correct its behavior and respect journalists' right to free press.
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