A journalist from Birgunj, a city in the southern plain in the eastern part of the country was attacked at local Simara Chowk of Bara district on March 12, 2012.
Reporter with the Nagarik daily, Upendra Lamichhane was attacked by a person named Arjun Baidya. Journalist Lamichhane received injury on his nose and head.
He has been undergoing treatment at the National Hospital, Birgunj.
The Nagarik daily said Baidya hit on Lamichhane's nose resulting in fracture. He was attacked without any apparent reason.
Meanwhile, the Area Police Office, Simara arrested assailant Baidya and began investigation into the case.
Such attacks on journalist are responsible for self-censorship among journalists, and the self-censorship renders negative effects and impacts on professional journalism. The incident shows Nepali journalists are bound to work with poor security.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack and urges the police to fairly investigate into the incident and mete out punishment to the assailant. Prompt action of the police helps to minimize impunity. Similarly, the local administration must provide security to journalists who are the torchbearers of people's right to information.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022