Photo credit: Dinesh Thapa's Facebook
Editor at Gandakilive.com, Dinesh Thapa was attacked while covering an event in Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal.
Speaking to Freedom Forum, editor Thapa shared that he along with several other journalists were covering the inauguration event of a television show. During reporting, a minor disagreement occurred between Thapa and cameraperson Saroj Moktan from the YouTube channel HitNepal, over adjusting their cameras. Moktan hit Thapa from behind in anger. When Thapa questioned him, Moktan again punched him on the face.
The attack caused an injury below Thapa’s right eye resulting in bleeding. According to Thapa, Moktan attempted to attack him again but fellow journalists present at the venue rescued him.
Following the incident and immediate treatment at Annapurna Neuro Hospital, Thapa filed a complaint at the Police Circle, Singhadurbar.
Reporter Thapa further informed that the police summoned both parties to resolve the matter. Moktan apologized to Thapa and committed to covering his treatment expenses.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the attack on a journalist while carrying out professional duties. The intimidation of a journalist by a fellow media worker during reporting reflects growing insecurity faced by journalists.
For more,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np