Ashok Paudel, a reporter with the Radio Banganga, from Rupandehi, a city in the southern plains of Nepal in its western part, was manhandled by protestors on 21 December.
The protestors manhandled reporter Poudel while he was going to attend a program nearby Kapilvastu district. But reasoning the agitation called by the a youth wing- Youth Association- of the major opposition party, CPN-UML, the Association cadres grilled reporter whey he was driving during protest.
Talking to Freedom Forum, reporter Poudel said, "The local cadres of the Association and even a local businessperson Shankar Khanal kicked me while riding motorcycle. I displayed my Press Card; however, the rowdy demonstrators seized my motorcycle's keys, manhandled me, and spoke foul on me."
He added that he, however, escaped the injury.
The Association cadres were protesting against government's efforts to pass the constitution amendment bill.
Freedom Forum condemns the hostility of political cadres towards journalist and urges the political parties to instruct their cadres to respect journalists' right to free and fearless reporting. Although any side has the right to peaceful protest to voice their demands, violating press freedom is against democratic values.