Freedom Forum is concerned over the assault and attack on journalist Rajesh Kumar Aryal and Bijay Kumar Baidel on April 2, 2019. The incident occurred at Palpa of Province 5 of Nepal.
According to Freedom Forum's representative for Province 5 Sudeep Gautam, journalists were assaulted while covering story about the locals protesting the road extension at Palpa Tansen road.
On the same day 3 people associated with the attack of journalists namely Sailendra Bhattarai, Laxman Regmi and Baburam Bista has been arrested and booked under Public Offence by security officials.
As per the Superintendent of Police Bishwomani Pokharel, the offenders have been arrested and booked under public offence crime as per provisions set by Criminal Code of Nepal.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as this is the sheer breach of press freedom. Attacking and assaulting journalists on duty violates right of the journalist. Also, FF appreciates the prompt action of security to arrest and book the offenders under law.