Murari Prasad Pokharel, District Forest Officer (DFO), of Sindhupalchok district— a district located in the central region of the country, abused several journalists on June 27, Sunday.
Local journalists Pavitra Kumar Khadka, Gyanendra Timilsina, Yuvraj Puri, Tika Dahal and Dhurba Dangal were abused following news coverage on District Forest Officer. DFO Pokharel attempted to beat journalists up by throwing tea-table on them, however, police had intervened when he tried to pick up a tea table to hurl journalists. DFO Pokhrel was heavily criticized for his wrongdoings in the past week. He was allegedly involved in releasing Chinese national, who was arrested with red sandalwood and orchids and was released by the District Court on a mere fine of Rs. 15,000.
Freedom Forum-Nepal denounces the incident as such offensive actions discourage journalists to impart information to people. The Forum urges the press freedom perpetrator to resort to legal remedy if any news coverage makes you feel discomfort. Making attempts to misbehave with journalists instead of taking legal ways by responsible government official is condemnable. The Forum urges the government to investigate the incident and bring guilty to book.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022