Correspondent with The Himalayan Times, Prabhat Kumar Jha, from Rautahat district was injured in a police attack while reporting about protest on February 26. Rautahat lies in the southern plain of Nepal.
During a telephonic conversation with Freedom Forum, reporter Jha explained, "A clash broke out between the riot police and cadres of the agitating Madhes-based parties after the cadres demonstrated against a political leader. When I was there covering the incident for the news, an Armed Police Force person kicked me on my leg and stomach. I am taking medicine to relieve pain".
He further said he was showing is Press Card but the police continued kicking.
Freedom Forum condemns such hostile act against journalist by the security person. Secured and free reporting atmosphere for journalists is an utmost requirement in democracy. The police persons mobilized to control mob must separate journalists from mob and must exercise restraint. The attack despite sporting the Press Card is violation of press freedom.
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