Freedom Forum is concerned over the threat issued through a press release to journalists for reporting on May 5. The incident took place in Mahottari district which lies in province 2. The statement was released by Sonama Rural municipality's office of Mahottari district.
According to FF's representative for Province 2 Rajan Singh, Sonama rural municipality circulated the press release in response to the news published on different media on May 4, a day before the incident. The news reported municipal representatives' brutal attack upon locals Shankar Sah and Sudhir Sah for a social issue in the municipality office.
The press statement reads: The news has been published with an aim to tarnish the image of the municipality as well as its representatives. Thus, the reporters Dhanbir Mahato (Radio Rupantaran), Dharbendra Kumar Yadav (www.mahottaripost.com) and Shailendra Mahato (www.todaypati.com ) must be brought to book. Also, the federal and provincial government should act seriously or bear consequences.
Such incident issuing a threat to the journalists for writing news is condemnable and serious violation of press freedom. The local government should be aware about the constitutionally guaranteed rights of journalists to report on the issues of public concern and instead follow the lawful way for reservation on any news contents. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect the rights of journalists and ensure safe atmosphere for those.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022