Chairperson of Radio Janakpur, Shital Saha, and reporter with Nagarik daily, Suresh Yadav, from Janakpur were attacked by political party cadres today (22 February) while they were reporting about the picketing of a house belonging to the political leader. Janakpur lies in the southern plains of the country.
Talking to Freedom Forum from the hospital, reporter with Radio Janakpur, Sheetal Saha said, "After we returned to our offices with reporting, a group of 15 people attacked us with sharp weapon. My head got severe injury and had to get it stitched. Similarly, Yadav received minor injury on his back."
Saha argued that the cadres of the Madhes-centric political parties attacked them.
Although they had reported the incident without biasness, the attackers claimed that the news was baseless. The attack was pre-planned, he further said.
According to him, atmosphere for free reporting is being challenged with rising agitation of the Madhes-based political parties.
As the government announced the much awaited date to hold local body elections on coming May 14, the Madhes-centric political parties have been irate, posing demand of constitution amendment first.
Freedom Forum strongly condemns the attack on reporters. FF urges the agitating political parties in Madhes to respect the rights of journalists. Similarly, the concerned local security agency needs to investigate the incident and bring to book the attackers.
Attack on journalist is an attack on entire media freedom, which erodes democratic values and culture. The agitating political parties are suggested for peaceful protest respecting other's rights.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Post Box No: 24292
Phone No. 4102030, 4102022
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np; info@freedomforum.org.np
Website: www.nepalpressfreedom.org; www.freedomforum.org.np