Annapurna Post National daily’s Saptari based reporter Manohar Pokhrel was severely beaten on July 31. Saptari lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.

Reporter Pokhrel shared with Freedom Forum that he had gone to District Police Office, Saptari to collect information and take police chief’s quote on delayed registration of victims’ complaint on sexual harassment and abortion.

“After talking to police officers, I was leaving police station. Meanwhile, a police officer at help desk scolded me, slapped and kicked me with boots”, reporter Pokhrel said, “I am undergoing treatment in Rajbiraj’s Gajendra Narayan Singh hospital. Due to attack, my urinary tract has been obstructed, other reports are awaited.”

Pokhrel also informed that the police officer was suspended and fellow journalists were in the hospital to support for his treatment.

Freedom Forum condemns the attack upon a journalist-on-duty. Though the concerned authority has taken action against the attacker, such incidents need serious attention. Abusing and attacking a journalist in public office- that too inside police station - is a gross violation of free press.

The concerned authority must orient its staffs on journalists’ right and safety so as to ensure free reporting atmosphere for journalists. Freedom Forum demands stringent action on the police person who attacked journalist.