Journalist Sanjay Malla, editor of Pokhareli News Weekly for Pokhara were misbehaved by local businessmen at Chipledhunga, Pokhara on 5 November. Pokhara lies in Province 4 of Nepal.
Information sent by the Freedom Forum representative of Province 4 Rajan Upadhayaya, proprietor of Tejaswai Jewelers Bikram Sunar misbehaved the journalists while covering news. Journalist Malla reached there to cover the story being based on a complaint of local people stating that the proprietor is selling yellow metal jewelry without maintaining standard weighing system.
Also involved in the incident were Raj Kumar Sunar and security guard Rudra Rana Magar. The victim journalist filed a case of misbehavior to the District Administrative Office, Kaski. Security guard Magar was arrested on charge of manhandling journalists, said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rabindra Gurung.
Proprietor Sunar and security guard Magar begged apology admitting their mistake in the presence of the Chief District Officer.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is a sheer violation of press freedom. Journalists' right to free reporting and right to information is constitutionally guaranteed. Attacking and intimidating journalists should stop and concerned authority should immediately take action against the culprit and ensure justice as well as safety to the working journalists.
For More Information
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Post Box No: 24292
Phone No. 4102030, 4102022
Website: www.nepalpressfreedom.org; www.freedomforum.org.np
Email: monitoring@freedomforum.org; info@freedomforum.org.np