Primesh Siwakoti, a journalist associated with Janata Television received a death threat from Ajay Timalsena, a crusher business operator, for investigating against his illegal crusher business. The incident occurred at Bara district on 18 January 2019. Bara district lies in Province 2 of Nepal.
As per the information received by Freedom Forum, journalist Siwakoti was about to cover story on the illegal smuggling and storage of crushed stones in Timalsena owned crusher business. The storage of peebles is done without permission from the authority. While journalist Siwakoti started reporting on the same, Timalsena warned him not to cover the story that would affect his business or bear consequences. Also, Timalsena threatened that he would intentionally burn all the crusher business in the area if journalists write any news against his business.
FF is seriously concerned over the incident as this is the severe breach of press freedom violation and threat to journalist safety. Journalists are free to write news and investigate social and legal corruption in the country. Threatening journalist for covering news is deplorable. FF urges the concerned authority to take action against the business person and ensure the safety of the journalist. The case should be investigated seriously.
For More Information
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030