Journalists were barred from reporting on the plights of displaced people at government holding centers in Kathmandu, Bagmati Province.
On July 11, journalists faced restrictions while reporting from the Holding Center in Kirtipur, where people displaced following the demolition of riverside settlements for alleged encroachment on government land had been temporarily relocated. Several journalists shared incidents of intimidation and obstruction during their reporting.
A reporter from Kantipur National Daily, Samarpan Shree wrote in his social media post titled- Reporter's Diary that police stopped him at the gate despite showing his press identity card and informed him that they had 'orders from above' not to allow journalists inside. However, he contacted a representative from the Prime Minister's Office who was inside the center and he was allowed to enter. Even then, police asked whether he was carrying a camera and warned that taking photographs or videos inside the premises was prohibited. The reporter further stated that he chose not to confront the police, fearing that doing so could prevent him from reporting at the site in the future.
Similarly, in a video report Himalkhabar.com reporters Archana Darji and Menuka Chhantyal stated that the government representative and security persons forced them to leave the holding center while reporting and had to continue reporting from outside the gate.
Restrictions on media continued on July 12. According to Onlinekhabar journalist Kaushal Kaphle, media persons were denied entry to another holding center in Kharipati, Bhaktapur where displaced families had been relocated from Kirtipur Holding Center after flooding. Journalists were reportedly asked to obtain official permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Chief District Officer before they could enter the facility.
Freedom Forum is deeply concerned over these incidents. The restrictions prevented journalists from reporting on issue of significant public concern and limited citizens' access to information. FF urges the concerned authorities to cooperate journalists and ensure that they are able to carry out their professional duties without any interference.
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