Executive Editor at Nepalesetimes.com, Tekman Shakya, received threat of attack on September 19 over his reporting. The incident occurred in the federal capital, Kathmandu.
Editor Shakta told Freedom Forum that he received multiple threats from political leader Mahesh Basnet and his supporters after publishing an interview with a woman, an alleged victim seeking justice over a case involving leader Basnet on September 18.
"On September 19, first a person identifying himself as a well-wisher of Basnet called me, used abusive language and threatened to assault me wherever they find me. A few hours later, Leader Basnet himself called and asked me to interview him in a threatening tone. He also said that he has been watching me," Shakya shared.
Editor Shakya has shared their recorded conversation on his social media page. "Later in the evening, Basnet called me again but I did not answer. He then sent me a message: Be ready to record many calls, stay safe, stay happy, don't get into any accidents. Since then, I have been ignoring calls from unknown numbers," Shakya said.
He further informed that he has informed the local police and is preparing to lodge a complaint at the Valley Police Office, Kathmandu. He has also requested for his safety through social media.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat against the journalist. The concerned is urged to address concerns over published content through legitimate means. Issuing death threats and threats of assault against a journalist for their reporting is a grave violation of press freedom.
FF strongly calls on the security authority to address the case fairly and guarantee journalist's safety.
For more,
Freedom Forum