Journalist Dhanaraj Saud of Paschimraibar.com was threatened over news on June 25 in Achham, Sudurpashchim Province.
Journalist Saud told Freedom Forum that Chairperson of Bannigadhi Jaygadh Municipality Tek Bahadur Saud, summoned him to the municipality office and asked who the source of a news published on the portal was. The news report published on the portal on June 23 alleged the Chairperson's involvement in irregularities related to procurement in the municipality. The story quoted a municipal employee as the source.
Following news publication, Chairperson Saud called the journalist to office and asked about news source. When the journalist refused citing journalistic code of conduct, Chairperson threatened to 'show him his place' in the presence of municipality officials and executive members.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to journalist. Any complaint regarding published news should be addressed through the appropriate legal way, rather than by intimidating journalists for carrying out their job. FF further urges the concerned security authority to ensure the safety and security of the journalist.
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