Media Person at Sarlahi based Lokatantra daily Bakhtiyaar Ali was manhandled by a medical doctor on March 18 in Malangwa, reported FF's stringer for Province 2 Rajan Singh. Journalist Ali is also Managing Director of Lokatantra daily.
Journalist Ali had reached the health center to follow-up on the news published few days ago about the hospital's facilities and services.
Quoting journalist Ali, stringer Singh reported that as soon as Ali reached the health center Dr. Rakesh Singh ordered his staffs to lock the journalist in the room.
Dr. Singh also tried to attack the journalist with stethoscope speaking foul on him. He had even called the police to arrest the journalist Ali, informed Stringer Singh.
Freedom Forum has serious concern over attempt to attack and misbehave against the journalist. A professional citizen should be aware about the fundamental rights of the journalists and thus should provide free access to information. Hence, FF urges the concerned authority to immediately address the issue and ensure free reporting atmosphere for the journalists in any sector.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
www.nepalpressfreedom.org
www.freedomforum.org.np
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np