Siraha-based reporter Dilip Sahani of News 27 Television was obstructed from reporting on June 27. Siraha is located in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Speaking to Freedom Forum, Sahani said he was threatened while reporting at the Area Police Office, Golbazaar. He had gone there to report on the alleged sale of duplicate bore-hole pipes by a metal store after receiving a tip-off. While he was reporting, the store's administrative chief allegedly threatened him not to publish the news without his permission or bear consequences.
"Soon after, a police person in civilian clothes approached me and asked whether I had asked for permission from the office to report on the premises. He pushed me and told me to bring written permission from the office. Then the police office's spokesperson said that I should maintain decorum and obtain written permission to report on the police office premises", Sahani said. "He then sent me out of the premise."
Freedom Forum is concerned over the incident. Journalists have the right to report on matters of public interest from public places. Obstructing journalists from reporting is a violation press freedom and citizen's right to information.
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