- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 3, 2024
- Event Description
Executive editor at https://dawanal.com/ Arjun Thapaliya received death threat for reporting on April 3 in Siraha. Siraha lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Freedom Forum talked to Thapaliya about the incident. Editor Thapaliya shared with FF that he has been following activities of Golbazar Municipality and writing news on the municipality’s misconduct. On the day of incident, Thapaliya published news about financial irregularities in construction of a highway in the municipality. He also mentioned alleged involvement of Chief Administrative Officer, engineer and ward chairperson in the corruption.
After half an hour of publication of the news, administrative officer called Thapaliya on mobile and threatened to shoot him for publishing news. He also spoke foul words on Thapaliya.
“Thereafter, I disconnected his call. On his 18th attempt as I received the call, he shouted that he would immediately come to me and shoot me”, said editor Thapaliya, “Then, I went to lodge a complaint at Area Police Office, Golbazar but they refused to register it. I will again go there tomorrow.”
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to a journalist. Journalists have right to report on the public issues exposing irregularities and make citizens informed. In spite of adopting legitimate ways to show concern over published news, threatening a journalist to death is a serious violation of press freedom.
FF strongly urges the municipal authority to respect journalists’ right to free reporting. The security authority is also urged to ensure safety of journalist to avoid any untoward incident.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Apr 11, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 31, 2024
- Event Description
Chief Administrative Officer of Shivasatakshi Municipality Amrit Bahadur Rai spoke foul on noted RTI activist Sharada Bhusal for requesting information on March 31 in Jhapa. Jhapa lies in Koshi Province of Nepal.
Activist Bhusal shared with Freedom Forum that she had requested information relating to the municipality’s internal and external audit reports using RTI application on January 31, 2024 through email.
Following her request, the officer Rai called her on mobile and spoke abusively. Bhusal shared a voice clip of the call with Freedom Forum. In the call, Rai was found shouted at Bhusal for information seeking through her email.
“Do you think you will get information delivered at your home? Did you pay for the extra pages of information as per RTI Law,” he was shouting.
Bhusal responded that she was expecting the information through email but if she needs to pay, he could inform about it through email.
Moreover, the chief administrative officer Rai continuing scolding and accusing artivist Bhusal of intentionally trying to trouble government officials in the pretext of RTI.
Freedom Forum condemns the misbehaviour of a public officer towards a citizen. Every citizen has right to information as guaranteed by the constitution. The officer should correct his behaviour towards the service seeker. The public agency is obliged to share information as per law to the information seeker.
Such activity of government employees is quite discouraging to building RTI regime and obstructing good governance efforts at a time when good governance is a pressing need in the country.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to information
- HRD
- RTI activist, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Apr 8, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 29, 2024
- Event Description
Kaski based reporter to Gorkhapatra National daily Fanindra Adhikari was issued threat for reporting on March 29. Kaski lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
Reporter Adhikari shared with Freedom Forum that he had wrote news about a case filed by Forest Division Office Kaski at the District Court against 22 people who encroached the forest in Pumdibhumdi, Pokhara. The case was filed on March 26. One of the accused Mekh Bahadur Kshetri called on Adhikari’s mobile and sent threatening messages on his mobile.
Kshetri not only threatened me but also called on my wife’s mobile and accused me of writing news for money. He also threatened me of attack.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to journalist and his family for his reporting. Kshetri is urged to approach the regulatory body Press Council Nepal for any concern over published news rather than threatening the journalist.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Apr 8, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 14, 2024
- Event Description
Correspondent at https://shilapatra.com/ Krishna Prasad Bhattarai was manhandled while reporting in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City on March 14. The metropolitan city lies in the Koshi Province of Nepal.
Freedom Forum talked to reporter Bhattarai about the incident. Bhattarai shared that he had reported a news story about malpractices of the municipality office a day before. The next day, he was manhandled while reporting for the follow-up story in the municipality. As he reached the site, he started taking video of dispute among municipality police and local transport driver.
“Meanwhile, around 14 officers encircled me and one of them pushed me and took my mobile phone. I showed them my press identity card but they did not stop”, reporter Bhattarai said, “They also told me to behave as a journalist. However, they gave me my mobile phone back after a while.”
"I went to the local police station to file a complaint under public offense but they refused to register my complaint”, he said,"Police has informed me that the metropolitan authority has also registered a counter-complaint on March 15 and that they will issue arrest warrant soon."
"Though fellow journalists are discussing with the municipality on the incident, we havenot reached to any understanding", reporter Bhattarai informed.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Date added
- Mar 26, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 28, 2024
- Event Description
Chief editor at https://pranmancha.com/ Padam Prasad Pokharel was brutally attacked while reporting in Kathmandu on February 28.
According to journalist Pokharel, he was reporting on clash among street vendors and metropolitan police persons in Sundhara, Kathmandu. He was taking video of the police baton charging the vendors to remove them from street.
Suddenly, a dozen of police persons started attacking Pokharel with their batons. Journalist Pokharel showed his identity card and asked not to attack him but they ignored him and threw his mobile, laptop and camera. They also kicked him.
"One of my friends took me to a nearby National Trauma Hospital for treatment. There were several bruises all over my body and my leg's ligament was torn. I was discharged from the hospital after treatment the other day", Pokharel informed.
Lately, Kathmandu Metropolitan City office has been barring street vendors while implementing city laws and regulations.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack upon journalist on duty. It is a sheer violation of press freedom. Hence, FF strongly urges the KMC office to instruct its police persons to respect the journalists' right to free reporting. The police persons must return journalist's reporting gadgets undamaged.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 18, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 28, 2024
- Event Description
Reporter at Radio Dhadkan FM 91.8 Shiv Kumar Mahato was issued a threat for his reporting on February 28 in Sarlahi.
Reporter Mahato shared with Freedom Forum that he had published a news story- Madhes Province's Health Minister Birendra SIngh's brother Surendra Singh was found guilty in a corruption case on February 27- on the web portal of radio https://dhadkanfm.com/.
"Following its publication, a person unanimously called me and threatened to break my legs if I write such news again. He also spoke belittling me on the call. Few minutes later, Nikesh Tripathi, personal secretary to the minister Singh asked me to delete the news from the portal through Facebook messenger", he added.
Mahato said that he was in contact with Tripathi before so he recognized Tripathi's voice on the phone call. Even the message on messenger further confirmed it.
He also informed FF that he had filed an application requesting security at the local administration office on February 29.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to reporter for doing his job. Threatening a reporter instead of approaching the regulatory body Press Council Nepal for any dissatisfaction over published news is deplorable.
FF strongly urges the administration and security body to address the issue fairly so as to ensure safety to the journalist.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 18, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 22, 2024
- Event Description
Managing Director at Pakhribas FM and editor at Pakhribas weekly published from Shankhuwasabha, Prem Niraula, was manhandled while reporting on February 22. Shankhuwasabha lies in the Koshi Province of Nepal.
Freedom Forum talked to journalist Niraula about the incident. Niraula said that he was manhandled while reporting in the Chainpur-6 Mini Fair organized by the youth clubs. "I had published news about a memorandum submitted by a local Asal Sashan Club to the local administrative authority on the possible gambling practices in the fair. As before, we wanted to make the authority aware of such bad practices in the fair", he added.
"On Thursday (February 22), I went to the fair to take photos of people playing games but suddenly the organizers team came to me and pulled my clothes saying why I published news in the weekly. They took away my jacket, sweater and mobile phone. They also chased me away while I was returning home", Niraula shared.
Niraula has not received his belongings back yet. He is seeking support from fellow journalists and Federation of Nepali Journalists, Sankhuwasabha, to get his mobile phone back.
FF also talked to the Area Police Office, Chainpur Inspector Baburam Karki. Inspector Karki however said that the case was not registered yet in the police station. The case seems to be about their personal dispute, he observed.
FF's representative Bikram Niraula infomed that both the parties (journalist and youths) have mutually agreed to end their dispute and coperate eachother. The youths have also agreed to return back journalist's Niraula's mobile phone. The process was facilitated by FNJ, Sankhuwsabha chapter on February 26.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack upon a journalist while reporting. FF urges the concerned local authorities to investigate the case seriously and ensure justice to the journalist.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 29, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 21, 2024
- Event Description
Executive Editor Tekman Shakya and reporter Sunita Gautam at www.nepalesetimes.com were taken under control for some hours while reporting on February 21. The incident took place in Kathmandu.
Editor Shakya shared with Freedom Forum that he and reporter Gautam were taking video of the people demonstrating at Department of Foreign Employment. The people were defrauded in course of foreign employment and protesting at the Department.
"Meanwhile, police officers came to me and asked why I was taking videos. As we showed them our press identity cards issued by the Department of Information and Broadcasting, one of the officers said that the card could be bought anywhere", said Shakya. "Thereafter, the officers forcefully took us under control for at least three hours in a nearby police station. They also seized our mobile phones and camera", he added.
Later, a senior police officer came and released them, according to Shakya.
Freedom Forum condemns the intimidation of police persons towards journalists. Barring the journalists from reporting and taking them under control and seizing media devices is an absolute violation of press freedom.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 29, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 20, 2024
- Event Description
A ward chairperson verbally denigrated right to information activist Shiva Prasad Adhikari for requesting information on February 20 in Kathmandu.
Activist Adhikari shared with Freedom Forum that he had filed an RTI application at Tarakeshwor Municipality, seeking information on ongoing development projects and their proposed budgets.
“I received incomplete and unclear information when I filed and RTI application at the municipality two months back. But, as I did not get any response, I filed an appeal at the National Information Commission”, he said.
On the day of appeal, Adhikari received a call from a ward chairperson of the municipality Shyam Krishna Sapkota asking to meet him. “As I met him, he asked abusively why I did not reach anti-graft body in case of any proof of aberration rather than requesting information again and again and troubling the government staffs”, Adhikari shared.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the misbehavior of a local authority to an RTI activist. It is a violation of citizen’s right to information which is guaranteed by the constitution. FF urges the concerned authorities to respond to the applicant’s request.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Right to information
- HRD
- RTI activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 29, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 10, 2024
- Event Description
Nepal police arrested journalists Pushkar Bhatta and Aishwarya Kunwar for their news reporting on February 10 in Kanchanpur. Kanchanpur lies in Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal.
Reporter Bhatta is associated with Mountain Television and Kunwar is reporter at Avash Kunj daily.
Freedom Forum’s representative for the province, Min Bam said that reporters duo were arrested for reporting on mismanagement in the District Police Office, Kanchanpur. “News about mismanagement at DPO were published in local media earlier,” Bam added.
Freedom Forum also talked to the Superintendant of Police Kamal Thapa about the case. SP Thapa however informed FF that police arrested the reporters under Cybercrime charge citing Electronic Transaction Act 2007 as per the order from District Court. He added that the arrest warrant was issued after a female victim’s complaint. “As per complaint, news and social media posts of the reporters duo have defamed her personally and professionally. Police is further investigating the case,” he said.
Representative Bam also shared with FF that he was working in close coordination with the fellow journalists and National Human Rights Office, Dhangadhi to release the reporters.
FF is closely monitoring the case. Arrest of the reporters for their reporting is sheer violation of press freedom. Further, arresting them under cybercrime charge for their social media post is the misuse of ETA 2007. Such misuse of ETA by the complainants and subsequent action by the security authority against journalists and citizens is a worrying trend in Nepal.
In case of defamation, the victim can approach different way rather than invoking ETA.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 20, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 6, 2024
- Event Description
Rautahat based reporter at Madhyanha national daily Krishna Tiwari was attacked while reporting on February 6. Rautahat lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Reporter Tiwari shared with Freedom Forum that he was reporting on sugarcane farmers’ complaint about the sugarcane mill owner’s low pricing of their product. Tiwari was called by the farmers on the site to report. While the reporter started taking video of dispute among farmers and mill owner in the presence of Sugarcane Farmers Association’s Chairperson, few people arrived and seized his camera. They shouted- why are you recording?
As Tiwari refused to delete the video, they hit Tiwari with sugarcane sticks. They not only damaged his camera but also thrashed him on floor and kicked him brutally. Senior Sub-Inspector Arun Kumar Singh rescued Tiwari from the incident and took him to a nearby clinic for treatment. Tiwari has bruises over his body and is undergoing treatment at Surya Hospital, Birgunj.
Area Police Office, Garuda’s Deputy Superintendant of Police Om Prakash Khanal informed Freedom Forum that one of the attackers was arrested and was kept in detention. “We are waiting for the victim’s First Information Report to further investigate the case”, he said.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack upon reporter. It is a gross violation of press freedom. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to fairly investigate the case and ensure safety of journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 20, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 6, 2024
- Event Description
Editor at https://eparinews.com/ , Bijay Rana, was attacked while reporting in Baglung on January 6. Baglung lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
According to Freedom Forum’s representative from Gandaki Province, Rajan Pokhrel, police persons severely beat Rana while reporting at Baglung Festival. They also seized his mobile phone.
FF also talked to a fellow journalist Taranath Acharya. Journalist Acharya shared with Freedom Forum that on January 6, journalist Rana was taking video of police persons baton-charging public after the festival was over at around 9:30 pm. Meanwhile, they tried to attack journalist Rana. However, Rana's display of identity card as a journalist minimized the hostility.
“The main police officer seized Rana’s mobile and beat him severely. Due to attack, Rana got deep bruises on his left hand and body parts. He received treatment in Dhaulagiri hospital and is under medication at his home today (January 7). Police have not returned his mobile phone either. We demand action against the police officer assaulting journalist on duty”, said journalist Acharya.
Freedom Forum condemns the brutal attack on a journalist while covering news. It is an absolute violation of press freedom. Police persons attacking the public and journalist instead of providing security during the public event is deplorable. FF demands appropriate action against the police officer for such atrocity. The police must return journalist's digital gadget. FF strongly urges security organization to instruct its staffs to respect journalists' rights and safety.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 1, 2024
- Event Description
Reporter to https://www.kapurinews.com/ Rashmi Pradhan was manhandled while reporting on January 1 in Sunsari. Sunsari lies in Koshi Province of Nepal.
According to reporter Pradhan, she was reporting on the ongoing preparations for Dharan Day at a public school using her mobile phone.
“I heard public dispute at the place and tried to report on it. But, Dharan Sub metropolitan executive member BIkash Bhati abused me and seized my mobile. Another person named Ratan Limbu also threatened of attack stating it was their personal issue”, she shared.
"Although I told them that I did not record any video but they did not listen to me", she added. Later, they returned her mobile.
Reporter Pradhan has filed a complaint at the Area Police Office, Sunsari on January 2.
Evidently, it was a public issue and dispute occurred at public place, so it deserved to be reported.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. Abusing a journalist and seizing his/ her reporting device is a sheer violation of press freedom. The local authority is strongly urged to apologize for his misbehavior towards a working journalist. The investigating authority is further urged to fairly investigate the case to help ensure safe atmosphere for reporting.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 31, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 7, 2023
- Event Description
News coordinator at www.ourbiratnagar.net Prem Dewan was attacked while reporting in Biratnagar on December 7. Biratnagar lies in Koshi Province of Nepal.
Freedom Forum talked to Dewan about the incident. He shared that he was called by one of the protestors to report on their ongoing protest in Biratnagar Municipality. Locals and the fire victims were protesting in the municipality premise against lax arrangement of municipality in controlling fire outbreak.
However, as journalist Dewan reached the site, protestors themselved attacked him. Dewan received minor injuries in his left hand.
Dewan informed FF that he registered a First Information Report at the District Police Office, Morang on December 8 against the attackers Ramesh Ray and Abhimanyu Yadav. Following the report, police arrested Ramesh Ray on December 8.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack upon a journalist. The incident depicts serious insult of a journalist and a gross violation of his right to free reporting. While journalists covering protests are often targeted, such incidents instill further fear on them. Hence, FF urges the concerned to respect journalists right to free reporting and press freedom. The security authority is also urged to ensure safety of journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 31, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 5, 2023
- Event Description
Cameraperson at Kantipur Television Sanjay Luitel was manhandled and his device broken while reporting on December 5. The incident took place in the federal capital of Nepal.
According to Cameraperson Luitel, he was reporting on a case of fake Bhutanese refugees scam at Kathmandu District Court. He was recording video of one of the convicts, Sandeep Rayamajhi who was being taken to police vehicle after court hearing. At the same time, Rayamajhi hit Luitel and and his camera while entering into the police van. Luitel was hit on face and has swelling on his cheeks. Boom of the camera was also broken.
It shows journalists on investigative reporting are targeted more.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. Attacking a journalist while reporting in presence of the security persons is a gross violation of press freedom. The incident shows sheer disrespect towards journalists. The security authority should ensure safety of journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 2, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 22, 2023
- Event Description
Police have arrested 22 human rights activists from a sit-in protest organised by the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) at Maitighar in Kathmandu on Friday. The protest was organised demanding formation of a reliable judicial inquiry commission in connection with the Ncell share sale case.
Founding Chairperson Krishna Pahadi, Chairperson Ramkrishna Baral, Adviser Uttam Pudasaini, Secretaries Ram Prasad Joshi and Chandramani Banjara, Treasurer Kiran Dhakal, Central Members Namrata Kharel and Diwakar Pudasaini, Kathmandu Branch President Bhagwan Pudasaini have been arrested.
Additionally, HURPES Lalitpur branch President Man Bahadur Thapa, along with rights activists Sanu Lama, Uma Gautam, Bal Bahadur Gaha Magar, Jagannath Pudasaini, Ishwar Pudasaini, Bikas Thapa, Tulsiram Bhandari, Maniram Dahal, Laxman Pudasaini, Wudd Anmol, Mohini Prasad Acharya, and Adarsh Chhetri are also among those arrested.
The arrested have been kept in the Singha Durbar Police Circle. The HURPES has called the incident of Ncell tax evasion a big financial scam and a crime against the state.
- Impact of Event
- 22
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community), Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, NGO staff, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 2, 2024
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Nov 18, 2023
- Event Description
Editor at https://donnews.com/ Rajendra Adhikari received threat for publishing news on November 18. The news portal is being operated from Kaski, Gandaki Province.
Talking to Freedom Forum, editor Adhikari shared with Freedom Forum that news about irregularities in a local cooperative and involvement of local representative was published on the news portal. Adhikari called chairperson Subedi on his mobile to gather more information on the news. Subedi and his wife abused and threatened editor Adhikari of suing and framing editor in fake rape case in the call. Subedi also issued death threat to the editor.
Editor Adhikari further informed FF that he was discussing with fellow journalists on further action upon the case.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to journalist for reporting news. It is a gross violation of press freedom. The concerned should adopt legitimate ways for any dissatisfaction over news. FF urges the concerned authority to ensure safety of the journalist to avoid any untoward incident.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Dec 19, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 1, 2023
- Event Description
Editor-In-Chief at Purwasandesh daily Ganja Bahadur Dahal and his reporter Ghanshyam Bhandari have been receiving threat of attack for reporting news since October 1. The daily is published from Jhapa, Koshi Province.
Journalists duo received threat from a chairperson of a cooperation organization Sankalpa Lingden for publishing critical news about the cooperative organization. News with title- Cash of depositers missing was published on September 30 based on the information shared by one of the victims of the cooperative.
Editor Dahal shared with Freedom Forum that reporter Bhandari wrote the news on the basis of information shared by a victim to the reporters. “Following news publication, Lingden called on my mobile and asked why I published the news. He also asked me to meet him to sort out the matter”, Dahal said.
“I met Lingden on October 3 after his continuous threatening calls. In meeting he said either I call report Bhandari to apologize for reporting news or I will be kidnapped. I denied to call Bhandari. However, he did not do any harm to me”, added Dahal. It was learnt that Lingden had also sent messages warning other journalists that Dahal and Bhandari would be kidnapped if they didnot apologize. Again on October 5, Lingden sent a copy of a complaint lodged at area police office requesting to take action against journalists.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to journalists for covering news. Harassing journalists for doing their job is a gross violation of press freedom. The concerned is urged to adopt legitimate measures for any discontent over news.
Lately, there are problems rife on cooperatives (saving and credit organizations) that they have not been able to pay money to the depositers owing to financial crunch. It has resulted in conflict between the cooperative runners/ owners and depositers.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Corporation Corporation (others)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 24, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 20, 2023
- Event Description
Chairperson and editor of https://smartkarnalinews.com/ Lankraj Dhamala received threat for reporting news on October 20. The incident took place in Kalikot district, Karnali Province.
Editor Dhamala shared with Freedom Forum that he had reported on the province's Raskot municipality's ineffective service delivery and mismanagement of the municipality's property and published the ground reporting video on October 9, 2023. After 11 days, an abusive post on municipality chief's secretariat's social media page was found targetting Dhamala. Following this, Mayor's relatives also threatened Dhamal through different phone numbers.
"If the threats continue, It will proceed with filing complaint at concerned authority", said Dhamala.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the threat issued to a journalist for his reporting. The municipality and its chief is urged to seek legitimate ways for any concern over published news content, rather than discrediting and abusing journalists. It is violation of press freedom.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 19, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 17, 2023
- Event Description
Reporter to Nepal Samacharpatra daily Motiram Timalsina received death theats for writing news on September 17. Reporter Timalsina is a Kavre-based reporter for the daily and its web portal https://www.newsofnepal.com/. Kavre lies in Bagmati Province of Nepal.
Reporter Timalsina shared through his article titled- 'You may shoot me, but I won't stop writing on misconduct and crime'. He informed that he has been receiving continuous death threats after publication of news about- Province minister's involvement in gold smuggling- with his byline on the newspaper and news portal on September 17.
"I have been receiving threats through social media. Leader and cadres of a major political party have threatened me of shooting and stabbing with sword for including their party's president name in the news. They have also posted fake and misleading status about me on their social media pages", he said.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to reporter. It is serious violation of press freedom. A leader and people's representative should be receptive to media criticism and he/she should orient the cadres on media and journalists' rights. Moreover, the concerned should approach Press Council Nepal for any concern over news content instead of threatening a journalist.
Hence, FF strongly urges the security authority to pay heed to the case and ensure safety of journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 22, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 30, 2023
- Event Description
A freelance journalist Krishna Prasad Subedi was taken under control and his mobile phone seized for writing news on August 30. The incident took place in the federal capital Kathmandu.
Freedom Forum talked to journalist Subedi on September 19 about the incident.
Subedi shared that he had been writing news and articles on human trafficking in Nepal for Nepali media for more than five years. He also runs an official Facebook account named Anticorruption Nepal (https://www.facebook.com/Acnbureau) where he shares his articles and news.
On August 15, Subedi had shared an article about human trafficking by a recruitment agency in Nepal. Following this, he was taken under control for nine hours on August 30. Agency's staffs and board members also seized his diary, mobile phone and press identity card.
They have not returned his goods.Moreover, they forced him to sign on papers mentioning he would not write any news on recuritment agency.
"I have filed my complaint at Nepal Police Headquarters, Office of Chief District Office, Kathmandu and National Human Rights Commission Nepal. I have not received my goods yet", informed Subedi.
There is no any progress in police investigation either, according to Subedi.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 22, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 17, 2023
- Event Description
Reporter to Nepal Samacharpatra daily Motiram Timalsina received death theats for writing news on September 17. Reporter Timalsina is a Kavre-based reporter for the daily and its web portal https://www.newsofnepal.com/. Kavre lies in Bagmati Province of Nepal.
Reporter Timalsina shared through his article titled- 'You may shoot me, but I won't stop writing on misconduct and crime'. He informed that he has been receiving continuous death threats after publication of news about- Province minister's involvement in gold smuggling- with his byline on the newspaper and news portal on September 17.
"I have been receiving threats through social media. Leader and cadres of a major political party have threatened me of shooting and stabbing with sword for including their party's president name in the news. They have also posted fake and misleading status about me on their social media pages", he said.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to reporter. It is serious violation of press freedom. A leader and people's representative should be receptive to media criticism and he/she should orient the cadres on media and journalists' rights. Moreover, the concerned should approach Press Council Nepal for any concern over news content instead of threatening a journalist.
Hence, FF strongly urges the security authority to pay heed to the case and ensure safety of journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Online Attack and Harassment, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to protect reputation
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 2, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 28, 2023
- Event Description
Publisher and editor of Nabasangram daily Dineshwor Gupta was attacked while reporting on August 28. The incident took place in Siraha, a district in Madhesh Province.
According to journalist Gupta, he and other journalists were reporting on a clash among local people and Nawarajpur rural municipality officers on the day of incident. During protest on the ownership of a public pond, journalists were taking photos and videos of agitated locals trying to set on fire a municipality's tractor. Meanwhile, a group of 12-15 youths attacked journalists warning to not take photos.
"Other journalists escaped the attack whereas, two of us (me and Jaynath Yadav of Today Khoj daily) were injured from the attack. I have injuries on neck, head and back", shared journalist Gupta.
Thereafter, journalist Gupta informed Superintendent of Police Tekunanda Limbu about the incident and asked him to get his mobile back. But according to Gupta, police was unable to arrest them.
On the next day (August 29), fellow journalists also met with SP Limbu and requested to immediately arrest the attackers. SP Limbu then suggested the journalists to file a First Information Report to initiate the investigation.
"Soon after filing FIR at the local police office, police arrested one of the attackers on August 30 who was however, released immediately. Again after continuous pressure from journalists, police have arrested another person involved in the attack on August 31", said Gupta.
Freedom Forum's media monitoring desk was able to talk to journalist Gupta through Federation of Nepali Journalists Siraha chapter's president Manoj Banaita's phone. FF's monitoring desk also called District Police Office but they showed their unawareness about the incident.
"We are prodding the security authority to arrest remaining attackers as well. This is the matter of journalists' safety. We will not step back", argued President Banaita.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. Attacking and seizing communication device of a journalist is a gross violation of press freedom. The security authority is strongly urged to address the case seriously and facilitate journalist to get his mobile phone back. The authority should also ensure safety of journalists to avoid any untoward incident.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 13, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 21, 2023
- Event Description
Himalaya Television's reporter Rakesh Yadav was attacked while reporting in Rautahat on August 21. Rautahat lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Freedom Forum called reporter Yadav to talk about the incident on August 22. Reporter Yadav said that he reached the Bagmati River in Brindavan Municipality, Rautahat to report on illegal excavation of the river as per information shared by the locals. Reaching there, he saw two crusher machines in the river and started capturing video.
Meanwhile, 5-6 people from a crusher industry approached him and interrogated who he was and from whom he got permission to take video. As Yadav shared, he, in response, said,"I am a reporter, this is my identity card and I have also informed administration before reporting." But they started beating him on chest and threw his camera too.
According to him, locals working nearby came and rescued him and then he called Deputy Superintendent of Police at District Police Office. Police officers took him to local police office where he filed a First Information report. Thereafter, police arrested the attackers.
"I am still undergoing treatment in the hospital. The doctor has said that I have blood clot in ribs due to attack,so additional tests are needed. I am also suffering chest pain", shared reporter Yadav.
Freedom Forum strongly condemns the attack on journalist. This is third incident of attack upon journalist recorded in this month from Madhesh Province. This shows how adverse and hostile the the environment is for journalists reporting on irregularities. FF strongly urges the local authority to pay heed to the ongoing hostility towards journalists in the province.
Safety of journalist is essential for free reporting. Series of attack on journalists in Madhes Province of late is a worrying trend. The attackers must be brought to book to cater justice to the suffered journalist.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Corporation Extractive industries
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 6, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 18, 2023
- Event Description
Saptari based reporter to the Nayapatrika national daily Saurav Yadav was attacked on August 18. Saptari lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Repoter Yadav shared with Freedom Forum that he was preparing news on domestic violence meted out against daughter of a former parliamentarian in Saptari. She was repeatedly assaulted at home by her in-laws. Victim's brother in-law called reporter Yadav to meet him and threatened not to publish the news.
“As I said, I am a journalist and I will publish the news, they started attacking me. They hit me on my chest and other body parts. I ran into a nearby police station and rescued myself. Then, I was taken to hospital for treatment”, said Yadav adding, “I was discharged from the hospital the next day.”
“I am preparing to file a First Information Report at District Police Office against the attackers”, informed reporter Yadav.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is gross violation of press freedom. Lately, journalists in Madhes Province are at receiving end merely for reporting social ills and problems, and political and financial irregularities. Domestic violence and discrimination against women is a huge social problem in backward community.
It is a matter of public concern, so journalists have the right to report it freely. But, such intimidation to journalist is deplorable. Freedom Forum strongly urges the local authority in Saptari district to provide security to the working journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 25, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 15, 2023
- Event Description
Reporters to Bagmati Television Gaurav Adhikari and Suman Niraula received death threat while reporting in Lamjung on August 15. Lamjung lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal. Bagmati Television is broadcasted from Kathmandu, Bagmati Province.
Chief Executive Officer of television Manoj Neupane shared with Freedom Forum that reporters duo had gone to report on the alleged irregularities in a local cooperative office in Lamjung. As the television team reached the office, they requested the Chairman of the cooperative Ramji Kandel for his views on the allegation.
Chairman Kandel invited the reporters at a nearby local hotel to discuss the issues at around 5:00 pm. As soon as the reporters reached inside hotel to talk to the chairman, Chairman Kandel threatened to kill the reporters and seized reporters' identity cards, mobile phones, camera, boom and other belongings and then he also took the reporters under control for at least four hours.
"One of the reporters was however able to find his mobile and called me after four hours. Then, I informed the police chief at District Police Office, Lamjung and asked for help. Thereafter, police officers rescued the reporters and took them to the local police station. The Chairman and his supporters again reached the police station to protest. However, police persons safely rescued both the reporters at 11:30 pm. In the incident, reporters were safe but camera was slightly damaged", said CEO Neupane.
Our team registered a complaint at the District Administration Office, Lamjung on August 16. Chief District Officer wrote a letter to the DPO for prompt action on the case. In response to this, police office invited both side to discuss the incident. In the discussion, Chairman apologized for his action and confirmed that such incident will not be repeated in future", added CEO Neupane.
According to CEO Neupane, both sides had signed an agreement with their written commitment to cooperate with the journalists in future.
Freedom Forum vehemently condemns the incident. Though the Chairman apologized in front of the reporters, his action towards the reporters despite knowing their identity is a gross violation of press freedom. Reporting public concern is journalists’ duty, but intimidation to them is worrying trend.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 25, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 8, 2023
- Event Description
Photo journalist and activist RK Adipta Giri was issued arrest warrant for his critical post on social media on August 8. The arrest warrant was issued by District Police Office, Parbat, Gandaki Province.
Journalist Giri shared with Freedom Forum that he has been conducting campaign named ‘Save Kaligandaki river’ for more than three years.
“I have clearly observed activities of the authorities and journalists here who are involved in encroachment of the river and natural resources in Parbat. I tried to warn them through my social media posts and now I am facing this situation. But I will not give up, my fight will continue”, said journalist Giri.
“The journalists, who have filed complaint against me, had gone to my house and threatened my family members in my absence. It has been three days since I have gone to my house”, said Giri.
Giri has posted several critical status on his social media posts about alleged involvement of Parbat journalists in exploitation of the river.
District Police Office Parbat’s Deputy Superintendant of Police Madhusudan Neupane told FF that journalists had filed a complaint with a Federation of Nepali Journalists’ signed letter demanding his arrest under Electronic Transaction Act Section 47. “And then, we issued the arrest warrant against Giri. However, no further action has been taken yet”, informed DSP Neupane.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is a gross violation of freedom of expression. The authorities have been time and again misusing the Act to suppress citizen’s voice. Journalists and citizens have every right to express their views on the social media against any issues of public concern.
Here, journalists themselves have resorted to a wrong way of seeking justice. ETA is not right measure at all. If the post had hurt their image they could reach court instead of arresting photojournalist. The Constitution has finely protected citizens right to free expression.
FF demands safety and security of the journalist Giri.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Environmental rights defender, Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 22, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 3, 2023
- Event Description
Reporter at https://golkhabar.com/, Shanti Gharti Magar was attacked while reporting a protest on August 3 in Kathmandu. The incident took place in the premises of Metropolitan Police Circle, Teku.
Talking to Freedom Forum, reporter Magar shared that she was reporting on clash among police persons and protestors on the day of incident. While taking video of police officers misbehaving with the protestors, a police person approached reporter Magar and shouted at her for taking video.
Magar has also posted the video on her social media page. In the video, Magar has repeatedly told the police officers that she was a media person and also asked them to see her identity card but the officers did not listen to her, rather took her into the police station.
Magar has injuries on her forehead and has pain on chest and stomach. "They almost detained me in the police station and also hit me in my sensitive body parts", she added, "I have not been able to attend office since the day of incident."
"Not only me, other human rights activists (mostly women) were also severely attacked in the incident", informed Magar.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack as it is a sheer violation of press freedom. FF urges the security authority to respect journalists’ rights and differentiate among protestors and journalists during protests. Journalists must be provided safe space for reporting in such circumstances.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 22, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 31, 2023
- Event Description
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.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 13, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 31, 2023
- Event Description
As per INSEC, significant concern has been raised regarding the successive incidents of police brutality taking place in Madhesh province.
On the afternoon of July 31, an incident occurred at the district police office in Saptari where ASI Rajeshwar Mahato, assaulted Manohar Kumar Pokharel, the district representative of INSEC. Pokharel had gone to the office to provide assistance to victims of human rights abuses. This event once again highlights the ongoing issue of police brutality.
According to the victim, when Pokharel went to the district police office in Rajbiraj from Lahan, Siraha to assist the locals to register a complaint, ASI Mahato physically assaulted him. Pokharel sustained injuries to his eyes and sensitive body parts and is currently receiving treatment at Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital in Rajbiraj.
We strongly appeal to the government to take necessary action against the police officer involved. Both the officer and the police office have the responsibility to maintain peace, provide security, and uphold human rights. However, a human rights defender and a journalist was assaulted within the premises, which demands immediate attention and action. It is stated in the statement issued on July 31 by INSEC Chairperson, Kundan Aryal.
Statement in the press release: “We urge the government of Nepal to investigate comprehensively into incidents of unjustified and excessive use of force, torture, and custodial deaths in Madhesh province. Immediate and appropriate action should be taken against any policemen found guilty at any level. We request the government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards incidents of human rights violations. We want to emphasize that human rights organizations, both within and outside the country, are actively monitoring the human rights situation in all parts of the nation.”
The incident involving the suspicious death of newlywed Aarti Shah from Janakpur and the subsequent incident where her family members were called to the District Police Office, Dhanusha, and coerced to provide a contradictory statement was reported in the public some time ago. The family members of the deceased have been protesting at Maitighar Mandala in the capital for the past one and a half months, alleging that Dhanusha’s Superintendent of Police, Bishwaraj Khadka, subjected them to torture in the incident.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- NGO staff
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 10, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 10, 2023
- Event Description
Reporter to https://www.makalukhabar.com/ Shibendra Rohita was attacked for reporting on July 10 in Dhanusha. Dhanusha district lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
According to Freedom Forum's representative for the province Rajan Singh, news about corruption and irregularities in the Dhanauji rural municipality with Rohita's byline was published on the news portal on July 8. Following this, Chief administrative officer at the rural municipality office Ranjit Yadav's brother and relatives attacked reporter Rohita in the busy market place.
Reporter Rohita has been severly injured in head and chest in the attack. He has been undergoing treatment in the Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu after referral from Dhanusha Hospital.
"The vehicle used by the administrative officer Yadav's relative has been known to be rented by the municipality office", shared representative Singh adding,"Dhanusha Police is investigating the case."
Freedom Forum condemns the brutal attack upon the reporter. It is a blatant violation of press freedom. There are legitimate ways to show dissatisfaction over the news published. The administrative officer's action is strictly against the constitutionally guaranteed journalists' right to free and fair reporitng.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to address the case fairly. The attackers must be brought to book to address impunity relating to the crime against journalist. Journalist's safety is essential for free reporting.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 17, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 27, 2023
- Event Description
On June 27, ABC Television Pokhara reporter and FNJ working committee member Geeta Rana was abused and briefly detained while recording the officer of the central Bhirkot Municipality for a documentary. The FNJ reported that the Municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer and police proceeded to confront Rana, subjecting the journalist to verbal abuse, and deleting all photos and video from their devices. Rana managed to leave after an hour confined to the office.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 11, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 21, 2023
- Event Description
On June 21, Swasthayalive.com editor Sunil Sapkota was attacked by a group of assailants in Anamnagar, a suburb of Kathmandu, according to the FNJ. One attacker was identified as Hari Giri, the subject of an April 2021 article published while Sapkota was working with the Nagarik Daily.
The piece claimed Giri had fraudulently registered two pieces of public land in his name, one of which he managed to sell, with the allegations corroborated by reports from Nepal’s Department of Survey and Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority. Giri’s deeds over the land have since been revoked.
Sapkota has since filed a complaint with local police, with Giri detained concerning the incident. Investigations are ongoing with the locations of others involved in the attempted attack unknown to police.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 11, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 28, 2023
- Event Description
Reporter at Galaxy 4K television Ghanashyam Poudel and cameraperson Rukmangat Bhattarai were manhandled while reporting in Arghakhanchi on May 28. Arghakhanchi lies in Lumbini Province of Nepal.
Reporter Poudel shared with Freedom Forum that he and his cameraperson went to a local community school to report on school management committee formation.
"I went to report there on the basis of information provided by the parents about poor management and education quality in the school. I also asked the school management how they form school management committee without informing the local representatives and parents", said reporter Poudel.
"Thereafter, a teacher and a parent manhandled us and threw our boom. Cameraperson Bhattarai has received minor injury on neck and lens of the camera is also damaged in the incident", added Poudel.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the incident. The reporter has right to report the issues of public concern. Intimidating a journalist and obstructing reporting is violation of press freedom and right to information. Hence, FF urges the school authority to respect journalist's right to free reporting.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 6, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 17, 2023
- Event Description
Nepal Police took two journalists under control in Kanchanpur on May 17. Kanchanpur lies in Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal.
Freedom Forum talked to one of the journalists Aishwarya Kunwar about the incident. Correspondent at Sagarmatha Television Kunwar said that Kunwar and another journalist Rajendra Nath reached a local police station in Mahendranagar to report on the clash among police persons and locals in connection with cross-border transport of goods.
Nath is editor-in-chief at https://simarekha.com/ (a news portal).
While controlling the clash police officers arrested journalists duo despite knowing that they are reporting the incident. Kunwar said, "They not only took us under control but also seized our belongings. They handcuffed journalist Nath and took us into the police station. We were kept there for two hours and released later after discussion with fellow journalists."
"I was hurt in legs and shoulders while they tried to thrash me into the station. Earlier, media had published news on police activities since then, they do not cooperate journalists", Kunwar added.
Freedom Forum condemns the arrest of journalists. It is gross violation of press freedom. FF reminds Nepal Police to differentiate journalists while controlling the mob and respect their rights enshrined in the constitution.
Together jorunalists need to sport their Press IDs visibly as a measure to avoid intimidation.
Security persons must be aware of security of journalists so that they can do reporting on issues of public concern freely and without fear.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 23, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 15, 2023
- Event Description
Economic bureau chief at Himalaya Times national daily Lekhanath Pokharel received death threat for his reporting on May 15. The incident took place in the daily's office, Mid Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
Journalist Pokharel shared with Freedom Forum that a news about- alleged involvement of Rastriya Prajatantra Party's Dolakha President Rajan Shiwakoti in a financial fraud at Sindhujwala Hydropower Limited - was published on the daily on the day of incident.
"President Shiwakoti reached the office of the daily with two other people in the evening asked me whether I had written the news", said journalist Pokharel, “Then they started threatening me saying- Who is the news source? Should we file a case or what? or we also have goons, they will do something. I am also a journalist, I know how to write news,". He also accused me of making false allegations against him and issued death threat.
The news was based on complaint of the victim shareholders, according to Pokharel.
President Shiwakoti, however, refuted the news the next day and said to the daily that he was not involved in any financial activities of the hydropower since he left in 2019/20.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the incident. The President can approach the Press Council Nepal for any complaint over the published news content rather than intimidation. Threatening journalists inside the media house has panicked all journalists and media staffs. It is a blatant violation of press freedom.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to be aware to avoid any untoward incident against reporter and ensure safety of journalist.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 23, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 25, 2023
- Event Description
Bikash Rauniyar, a correspondent at Galaxy 4K television was attacked on March 25 in Dhading. Dhading lies in the Bagmati Province of Nepal.
Rauniyar shared with Freedom Forum that he had reported on the illegal excavation by the crusher industries before three days. He then, informed the local police about the excavation.
Folowing this, people related to crusher business reached his home and called him for a meeting at around 10:30 pm. As Rauniyar met them, they punched him on his mouth. Rauniyar has received injury in his mouth.
"With bleeding mouth, I countered their attack and however, protected myself. Then, I filed a First Information Report at the Area Police office, Gajuri, Dhading. I will go to Kathmandu for further treatment and assistance in the case. I will not stay silent", said Rauniyar.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is gross violation of press freedom. If they had any reservation over the media content, they would have file complaint at the media regulatory body- Press Council Nepal. Attacking a journalist and threatening for reporting is intolerable.
FF strongly urges the concerned authority to fairly investigate the case and ensure justice and safety to the journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Corporation Extractive industries
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 2, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 19, 2023
- Event Description
Police officers obstructed three journalists from reporting in Jhapa on April 19. Jhapa lies in the Koshi Province of Nepal.
Journalists Chiranjibi Ghimire (Nayapatrika National daily), Bishnu Prasad Pokharel (Gorkhapatra National daily) and Sudeep Adhikari (HImshikhar TV) were barred from reporting the ongoing protest in Om Mechi Hospital, Jhapa.
As a woman died during her delivery, her families staged a protest for alleged carelessness of medical professionals during her treatment. On the day of incident, hospital administration and victim families held discussion upon the case to stop the protest.
The journalists reached the site to report on the protest and ongoing discussion but the police officer on-duty stopped and asked them to return back.
"We showed them our press identity cards and requested but in vain. Even the public demanded that journalists should be present in the discussion and make the information public. But the police officers did not let us enter. One of the officer also pushed back reporter Ghimire. Till today (April 21), we donot have any official information," shared one of the journalists Bishnu Pokharel with Freedom Forum.
"Mayor of Damak Municipality also ordered the police officers not to let the reporters enter the place", said journalist Pokharel.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the incident as it is violation of press freedom. Obstructing journalists from reporting is against journalists' right to free reporting and also serious violation of citizen's right to information. FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect journalists' right and ensure free reporting atmosphere in future.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Restrictions on Movement
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of movement, Freedom of expression Offline
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 2, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 21, 2023
- Event Description
Freedom Forum has been concerned over police suppression on a peaceful protest against the government in Kathmandu on March 21. Kathmandu is the federal capital city of Nepal.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal arrived at a program organized to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu at around 2 pm.
Meanwhile, a youth at the program stood up and started shouting slogans against bank's interest. He also demanded the government to lower current bank's interest on loan. Then, police officers on duty forcefully took him under control.
Police officers arrested three youths- Uddhab Basnet, Biplav Khadka and Som Sharma. They have been charged with 'indecent behaviour' and will be kept in detention for three more days, according to the local police station, New Baneshwor.
The incident depicts sheer intolerance of the government towards public voice. Nepal's constitution guarantees citizen's right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. Suppressing public voice with the use of power is silencing citizen's rights.
FF strongly urges the concerned authority to fairly investigate upon the case and release them immediately.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 2, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 13, 2023
- Event Description
Reporter to https://laikakhabar.com/ Bal Bahadur Thapa was attacked while reporting in Surkhet on February 13. Surkhet lies in Karnali Province of Nepal.
Reporter Thapa was attacked while reporting on a protest in Birendranagar, Surkhet. Local people had staged a protest following road accident, causing a death of a woman. After her death, relatives of deceased blocked the road section since February 12 demanding compensation and punishment to the driver.
During the protest, clash broke among the relatives and transport entrepreneurs’ staffs. Reporter Thapa was recording video of the victims being attacked by the staffs. Meanwhile, the staffs threatened Thapa to stop recording the video and delete it. As Thapa refused to stop reporting, they pounded him with iron rod, bottle and shovel.
Thapa has received injuries on his head and back. The incident took place in front of police persons.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. Attack upon a working journalist is a blatant violation of press freedom and journalists' right to free reporting. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to investigate upon the case and ensure safety of the journalists covering protest.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 18, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Nov 25, 2022
- Event Description
INSEC expresses its concern on the misbehavior experienced by our team members through a group of unidentified people on November 25, 2022 during their visit to Syangja’s Constituency no. 2, Chapakot Municipality wards no. 3, 4 and 5. During the elections held on November 20 the CPN-UML, Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rastriya Prajtantra Party and others including independent candidates had demanded re-polling and the vote count had not begun yet; the team of INSEC had visited to monitor the situation.
In order to monitor the situation, the team of INSEC had gone to Janaksakriya Basic School of Chithipokhari polling station located in Chapakot Municipality-5. During this, the team discussed the events of the voting day with the local residents. After the discussion, while returning to the headquarters, a group of unidentified people made the INSEC team get off the vehicle, took pictures of the people and their vehicle, made unnecessary inquiries, and later called, abused and threatened them. Although the monitoring team introduced the purpose of the visit and the organization to the group, they were threatened to return immediately and were warned on the uncertainties in the future if they did not leave.
It is required to remember here that Nepal’s human rights defenders have continuously monitored the situation of human rights even in the difficult situation of armed conflict. The Constitution and laws of Nepal and many treaty agreements to which Nepal is a party state ensures the right of human rights defenders to monitor the human rights situation without interruption.
It is certainly not pleasant that such an incident happened to the organization that has received permission of Election observation through the Election Commission. Disruption in monitoring helps to confirm the allegations of booth capture made by opposition political parties. We request Election Commission and the Government of Nepal to bring those involved in this incident to justice and prepare an environment for uninterrupted monitoring.
- Impact of Event
- 5
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- NGO staff, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Unknown
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Unknown
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 6, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 3, 2022
- Event Description
Senior reporter at Kantipur National daily, Abdhesh Jha was issued death threat for news published on December 3 on the daily. Jha is Saptari based reporter for the daily which is located in Madhesh province of Nepal.
Reporter Jha had published news about appointment of staffs with the direct order of executive Municipal Chief Ishrat Parveen. Following this, few people posted abusive and threatening posts against reporter Jha on their social media pages.
Journalists at Saptari also reported the incident at the District Police Office but no investigation has started yet, according to reporter Jha.
Freedom Forum condemns the death threat issued to the reporter. Despite availability of a legitimate way to complain at Press Council Nepal for any dissatisfaction over news, writing abusive posts on social media and threatening journalist is a gross violation of press freedom.
Hence, FF urges the concerned authority to investigate the case seriously and ensure safety of the journalist to avoid any untoward incident.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats, Online Attack and Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Unknown
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Unknown
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 6, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 25, 2023
- Event Description
News Chief at Fewa Television Prahlad Chandra Ghimire was misbehaved while reporting in Syangja on January 25. Syangja lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
Journalist Ghimire shared with Freedom Forum that he had reached the site to report on a drinking water project being implemented in a rural municipality of Syangja. Locals of the municipality obstructed him from reporting and also abused the journalist.
"Local people in the village said that news about their village should not be published anywhere and in whatever way. They did not let me report even after request from the ward's vice chairperson", Ghimire added, "as the case about irregularities in the project has already been registered in the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority, I went to report there."
Journalist Ghimire reported about the incident in the local police station. Police have called a meeting among locals and journalist on the case on Sunday (January 29).
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. To report on the social issues and malfunctions is the major job of the journalists, hence obstructing a journalist and abusing one is servious violation of press freedom. The locals should be aware that journalists also play a major role in the welfare of the society.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 5, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 23, 2023
- Event Description
Police on Monday arrested several rights activists including Ruby Khan, who has been staging a sit-in demanding action against the culprits involved in the suspicious disappearance and death of Banke’s Nirmala Kurmi of Banke.
- Impact of Event
- 7
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 25, 2023
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 11, 2022
- Event Description
Reporter at News 24 television Khem Dhungana was taken under control for some hours while reporting on December 11 in Kailali. Kailali lies in the Sudurpaschim province of Nepal.
Reporter Dhungana was reporting on the misuse of vehicles owned by the Lamki Chuha Municipality by it Mayor Ms Sushila Shahi for construction of her own residence.
According to the reporter, he asked Mayor Shahi whether she had rented the vehicles but Shahi refused to talk to the reporter. Then, reporter Dhungana went to the construction site and took photos and videos of the site.
As he was taking videos of the construction site, Mayor Shahi reached there and started threatening him to delete the videos. Shahi's personal secretary seized the reporter's mobile and asked him to delete the videos.
Later, reporter Dhungana deleted a few footages in front of police officers. But, Mayor Shahi and her team took Dhungana under control and threatened him not to broadcast the news on television.
Reporter Dhungana was set free after three hours as he commited seemingly to not broadcast the news on television. The news was, however, broadcast on the television channel later.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. Reporter has the right to report on the misuse of public properties. Threatening and taking an on-duty journalist under control is a gross violation of press freedom. Media is the fourth pillar of a State and the government authority is responsible for its safety. It is condemnable because the public person-Mayor- wanted to hush her criticism by threatening journalist. The public officials must respect the journalists' rights and value of information in society.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Dec 16, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 3, 2022
- Event Description
Senior reporter at Kantipur National daily, Abdhesh Jha was issued death threat for news published on December 3 on the daily. Jha is Saptari based reporter for the daily which is located in Madhesh province of Nepal.
Reporter Jha had published news about appointment of staffs with the direct order of executive Municipal Chief Ishrat Parveen. Following this, few people posted abusive and threatening posts against reporter Jha on their social media pages.
Journalists at Saptari also reported the incident at the District Police Office but no investigation has started yet, according to reporter Jha.
Freedom Forum condemns the death threat issued to the reporter. Despite availability of a legitimate way to complain at Press Council Nepal for any dissatisfaction over news, writing abusive posts on social media and threatening journalist is a gross violation of press freedom.
Hence, FF urges the concerned authority to investigate the case seriously and ensure safety of the journalist to avoid any untoward incident.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Dec 16, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Nov 7, 2022
- Event Description
Journalist and RTI activist Raghunath Sah was misbehaved for his reporting on November 7 in Rautahat. Rautahat lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Sah informed Freedom Forum that he had published a news about corruption in Gadhimai Municipality, Rautahat on https://www.newsdailynp.com/ and shared related posts on his social media pages. The news quotes minutes of the municipality's executive meeting which states that due to unsatisfactory performance of the finance officer Rameshwor Sahani, he couldnot continue his job from July 17, 2022. The news claims that Sahani has been involved in different financial activities at the municipality after the decision.
After the new was published, Sahani and his people started to call Sah and threaten him to remove the news from the online. Few people also misbehaved with Sah for publishing news.
Freedom Forum condemns the misbehaviour meted out to journalist for his reporting. It is sheer violation of press freedom. The concerned is urged to file complaint at the Press Council Nepal for any discontent over the news and follow the legitimate process.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- RTI activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 17, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 22, 2022
- Event Description
Editor-In-Chief Narayan Prasad Adhikari and reporter Shalik Bhatta at www.onlinepana.com were attacked for reporting news in Sarlahi on September 22. Sarlahi district lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Editor Adhikari shared with Freedom Forum that they had been doing followup reporting on illegal activities of the Bagmati Municipality. On the day of incident, the journalists reached the municipality office to interview Mayor on the same issues.
During the interivew, the Mayor was unable to answer a few questions. "While we were returning after interview, Mayor's brother and few other people attacked us, blocking our way on the highway. We received injuries on head and face in the attack," Adhikari said, adding that he was preparing to file a First Information Report at the District Police Office against the attackers.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack upon journalists for their news reporting. It is a gross violation of press freedom. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect journalists' right to free reporting. The security authority is also urged to ensure safety and security of the journalists, thus contributing to the free and fair reporting atmosphere for fellow journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 23, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 14, 2022
- Event Description
Reporter at Nayapatrika national daily Bibek Pokhrel was misbehaved while reporting in Chitwan on October 4. Chitwan lies in Bagmati Province of Nepal.
According to the media reports, reporter Pokhrel had reached Chitwan Media College to report on the ongoing clash among the locals and police in the hospital premises. The clash broke when the victim families started protesting against the hospital administration demanding strict action against the doctor for his alleged carelessness leading to death of one of their family members.
Police officers misbehaved with the reporter while he was interviewing the victim families.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the incident as it is sheer violation of press freedom. FF strongly urges the security authority to respect journalists’ right to free reporting and be aware not to harm the journalists and public while containing the protest.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 23, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 22, 2022
- Event Description
Editor-In Chief Narayan Prasad Adhikari and reporter Shalik Bhatta at https://www.onlinepana.com/ were attacked for reporting news in Sarlahi on September 22. Sarlahi district lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Editor Adhikari shared with Freedom Forum that journalists duo had been doing followup reporting on illegal construction of a lake in the Bagmati Municipality. On the day of incident journalists reached the municipality office to interview the municipality chief on the same issues.
During the interivew, Mayor was unable to answer a few questions. Thereafter, while we were returning back, Mayor's brother and few other people attacked us, blocking our way on the highway. We have received injuries on head and face from the attack.
"I am preparing to file a First Information Report at the district police station against the attackers", informed Adhikari
Freedom Forum condemns the attack upon journalists for their news reporting. It is a sheer violation of press freedom. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect journalists' right to free reporting. The security authority is also urged to ensure safety and security of the journalists thus contributing to the free and fair reporting atmosphere for fellow journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 24, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 11, 2022
- Event Description
A group of hooligans attacked the office of Avenues Television located at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu for the news broadcast in the television on September 11. Kathmandu is the federal capital of Nepal.
Reporter at the television Raju Bhandari shared with Freedom Forum that the television channel was scheduled to broadcast a news about alleged sexual abuse of girls in Ananta Seva Nepal children's home by its owner Udaya Raj Bhatta at 9:00 pm. The television authority also called the owner Bhatta to speak in the program.
"But before starting the program, 5 to 6 hooligans forcefully tried to open the gate of the media house and pelted stones at the gate. The hooligans sent by Bhatta not only attacked the media house but also manhandled me and my fellow reporter Kamal GC and seized the mobile phone of program presenter Sushil Pande", said Bhandari to FF.
He also informed that Bhatta is in detention at Metropolitan Police Circle, Maharajgunj and the investigation is ongoing.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident becausse the obatruction on reporting on the serious issue- violence againt girls- and assault on journalists and media house is against the notion of free press and right to information.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect the media's right to free press. Together, media persons are also urged to maintain additional sensitivity and safety while reporting the serious issues as violence.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to property, Right to work
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 18, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 17, 2022
- Event Description
Editor-In-Chief at https://www.kalikadainik.com/, Shishir Simkhada was attacked for reporting news in Bharatpur today (August 17). Bharatpur lies in the Bagmati Province of Nepal.
Editor Simkhada shard with Freedom Forum that news about Kalika municipality's chief Khum Narayan Shrestha and his personal assistant Deepak Lamichhane's alleged involvement in a corruption case was published on the news portal on August 16.
"Then, on the day of incident, Lamichhane along with two others hit me in the market with his helmet shouting- you are the one who wrote the news, I will kill you", said Simkhada adding,"however, the public gathered and rescued me. I got injury on my back."
Simkhada also informed that he has filed a complaint at the District Police Office, Chitwan.
Freedom Forum vehemently condemns the attack. Shrestha and Lamichhane being public authority should be aware of journalists' right to free press and the provision to file compaint at the Press Council Nepal for any discontent over published news.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect journalists rights and resort to lawful way. The security authority is also urged to ensure safety of the journalist and create fear free atmosphere for fellow journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 22, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 10, 2022
- Event Description
Reporters at Space 4K Televisions Narendra Mahatara and Surendra Raut were manhandled while reporting in Kathmandu on August 10.
Reporters duo reached at Ocean drinking water industries to report on the poor quality of water. Meanwhile, industries authority not only obstructed the reporters from reporting but also mahandled them. The also forced the reporters to leave the place with incomplete reporting.
However, the reporters broadcasted incomplete recording in the television channel.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. The video clip clearly shows the industry owners intimidation against journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Corporation Agricultural business
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 22, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 16, 2022
- Event Description
Avenues Television Sudurpaschim Bureau Chief Harish BK and District Correspondent Rajan Jaigdi have filed a complaint at the District Police Office on May 16, alleging that Deepak Acharya, Mayor of Ghodaghodi Municipality Office, and Hari Bista, former Chairperson of Ghodaghodi Municipality ward no. 2, threatened to kill them.
They were threatened while collecting information about the illegal sand mining in Kandra River located in Ghodaghodi municipality on May 15. The accused had verbally harassed and even threatened to kill them, said Avenues Television Sudurpaschim Bureau Chief BK. He further added that a police complaint was filed against them.
The journalist duo were gathering facts with the aim of conveying information to the citizens but were harassed while doing their duty. The Federation of Nepali Journalists issued a press release on May 16 and demanded legal action against the people involved in the incident.
DSP Bed Prakash Joshi of the district police office in a phone call with the INSEC representative mentioned that the accused will be brought to justice within a few days as the police administration is focusing on the election even though the victim has filed a complaint against the accused.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 18, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 6, 2022
- Event Description
Police persons attacked journalists at Siraha based Radio Gangajal Chandradeep Thakur and Arbin Paswan while reporting a protest on August 6. Siraha lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Thakur is news reader and Paswan is correspondent at the radio station.
Journalists duo reached the Shaurya cement industry to report on a protest by the workers working in the industry. They were trying to talk to the workers and director of the industry about the protest. Meanwhile, on-duty police persons started attacking workers and the journalists with batons shouting,"Do you want to make news, videos here? I will show you."
The journalists who were wearing t-shirts with name of their media house along with the press identity cards have bruises on their back, hands and legs due to the attack. They have undergone treatment in the mearby hospital.
Freedom Forum vehemently condemns the attack upon journalists. Attacking the journalists carrying distinct identity of their media house, in the name of containing the protest is a severe violation of press freedom.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to address the case seriously so as to ensure justice to journalists and press freedom
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 15, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 25, 2022
- Event Description
This week Freedom Forum recorded three incidents where Nepal police manhandled and arrested about a dozen of people for protesting against government actions.
On July 25, the police arrested three youth Arjun Poudel, Som Sharma, and Biplab Khadka for shouting slogans against Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at a program held in Kathmandu. They were released on July 26.
Again on July 28, the cadres of Nepal Communist Party, under Biplav's leadership were arrested for waving black flags against a visiting foreign official.
Similarly, in a separate incident, Khadka and Sharma were rearrested from Maitighar Mandala while staging demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. The Bill has been passed by the House of Representatives amid public grievances and was scheduled to be passed by the National Assembly on the same day.
Freedom Forum vehemently condemns police action. FF strongly urges Nepal government to respect and hear the opinion and expression of every citizen which is prerequisite to functional democracy.
Moreover, right to peaceful assembly and protest is an fundamental human right in democracy. The Constitution of Nepal guarantees every individual the right to expression and peaceful assembly. The Local Administration Act, 2028 B.S. and Muluki Criminal Code, 2074 B.S. prohibits use of force over peaceful assembly unless and until it turns violent or there is a perceived threat to peace and security. The arrest and manhandle of protestors sitting with pamphlets, within the protests permitted vicinity is a sheer violation of law. These forms of intimidation puts chilling effect on the citizens to express their right to free expression, peaceful assembly and protest.
"Black flag protest is a civilized protest. Muzzling this peaceful form of protest to stifle dissent is against the democratic values. The right to peaceful assembly and expression is a bulwark of democracy. Government should respect this liberty vested on citizens. Dissent is a beauty of democracy. State should hear and acknowledge the dissent, rather than employing police force to suppress it." argued Taranath Dahal, Executive Chief at Freedom Forum.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 31, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 25, 2022
- Event Description
Reporter at News 24 Televsion Lalan Kumar Mandal was attacked for reporting news in Mahottari on July 25. Mahottari lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum, reporter Mandal shared that he had been following activities of Sanjay Rauniyar, an alleged loan-shark. On the day of incident, he reached the site of incident as per the information from victims of loan sharking.
Suddenly a clash broke at the site while he was taking video of victims' protest and then, body guards of Rauniyar attacked the reporter and locals.
"Though I said that I was a reporter they did not stop. I have been injured on hands and legs", he said.
"Thereafter, I filed a complaint at the local police station. Nepal police has arrested Rauniyar and is searching for other attackers", he informed.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is serious violation of press freedom. Attacking the reporter while reporting is sheer disresect of journalists' right to free press.
FF strongly urges the security authority to investigate the case fairly and ensure safety of the journalists to avoid any untoward incident in future.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 31, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 15, 2022
- Event Description
Editor at https://narayanionline.com/ Krishna Acharya was attacked while reporting at electricity office in Chitwan on July 15. Chitwan lies in the Bagmati Province of Nepal.
Editor Acharya was reporting on the cocktail party at the Bharatpur Electricity Authority office during office hours. As per the tip-off that the authority had cutoff electric supply in the area reasoning maintenance but the staffs were partying at the office, Acharya reached the office and took photos and videos of the party. Meanwhile, the drunk staffs attacked Acharya and seized his mobile phones. His clothes were torn and he was injured. Acharya however, escaped any serious injury.
The drunk staffs obeying the order of their office chief also deleted photos and videos of the party taken by the editor.
On July 16, Nepal police arrested seven officials on the basis of complaint filed at District Police Office Chitwan against the seven officers and their office chief.
Freedom Forum vehemently condemns the attack upon journalist while reporting news. The public authority should be accountable towards service delivery and responsible for public safety. But such act of public officials against the notion of human rights and free press is deplorable.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to apologize for their misconduct and contribute to fair reporting atmosphere in future.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 17, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 13, 2022
- Event Description
Journalist and right to information (RTI) activist Kailash Majhi was held in police custody for four days for his critical reporting about local leadership in Saptari. Saptari lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum, a reporter at Mountain Television, Majhi said that he had been reporting on the irregularities and malfeasance of local authorities for long. He also uses RTI to collect information on the ongoing issues in the district. Recently, he had sought information on the activities of a construction consumer committee in the district using RTI.
Following this, the committee members abused him seeking information. On June 13, Nepal police arrested Majhi and charged him with indecent behavior. The case is registered at District Administration Office (DAO) under the Local Administration Act 2016 BS, Majhi informed.
"I am a journalist and RTI activist but they treated me like a criminal while in detention. I even do not know what crime I committed. Is reporting on irregularities a crime?", argued Majhi.
Majhi was released on June 17 with Rs.1,500 bail amount.
Senior Officer at Chief District Office, Saptari however refused to speak on the case with FF reasoning the case was sub judice at DAO.
FF condemns the harassment meted out to the journalist. The arrest and prosecution under the Local Administration Act, 2016 with intention to discourage journalists and RTI activist is sheer misuse of the Act and violation of the notion of press freedom and right to information.
The incident depicts state's authoritarian move against a citizen and a journalist which has direct impact on free exercise of his fundamental rights. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to present the case in the court of law rather than an executive body.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to information, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- RTI activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 2, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 16, 2022
- Event Description
Reporter at Himalaya Television Prince Mishra and his cameraperson Ashvit Magar were obstructed from reporting in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the federal capital of Nepal.
According to the information received at Freedom Forum, newly elected Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Balen Sah misbehaved with the reporters while they were reporting on waste management at Environment and waste management division, Teku.
Mayor Sah also asked his subordinate to delete the recorded footage and ordered reporters to leave the KMC premises immediately.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the incident. Obstructing reporters from doing their duty and threatening them to delete their reporting is the sheer violation of press freedom and authoritarian move of the municipal chief.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 18, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 6, 2022
- Event Description
On June 6, police in Nepal killed an 18-year-old woman when they opened fire on protesters using tear gas and live ammunition. Villagers in Bardiya district had blocked a highway to demand the government do more to protect them from wild animals from a nearby national park, media reports said. It is the latest instance of police using excessive and lethal force against demonstrators.
The woman killed in the latest shooting, Nabina Tharu, was a member of a marginalized ethnic community in Nepal’s Terai region. Following the incident, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand told parliament that officials were meant to “resolve the dispute[s] … using the least amount of force. There was no order to shoot.”
As in previous cases, the government responded by appointing a committee to investigate the incident. However, the committee, comprised of police and officials from the Department of National Parks, lacks independence. Nepali authorities have previously used such committees to deflect allegations, and failed to hold police to account for the use of excessive force against protesters and for other abuses, even after the country’s human rights commission has found them responsible.
The protest began after a tiger attacked a local woman who was collecting firewood. Since 2019, media reports say tigers have killed nine people and wounded several others in the area, which is adjacent to a wildlife corridor.
While Nepal’s national parks are frequently hailed as a conservation success story, the Department of National Parks has also displaced indigenous people. Park wardens have draconian powers to arrest people without a warrant on suspicion of violating conservation laws. Wardens and soldiers guarding the parks, have been accused of arbitrary detention, torture, rape, and killing people from neighboring communities. National Park authorities also frequently fail to adequately protect or compensate people living nearby from loss and damage caused by wild animals.
Instead of forming yet another committee, Nepali officials should credibly investigate security officials and prosecute them where there is clear evidence of abuse. And Nepal’s national park authorities need to end their abusive practices and work in partnership with local people to promote conservation while upholding their rights.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community), Woman
- Violation
- Killing, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to life, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Indigenous peoples' rights defender, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 11, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 31, 2022
- Event Description
Ward Chair at a rural municipality in Parbat issued threat of attack to journalist Laxman Sunar for news reporting on May 31. Parbat lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
Sunar is executive editor at https://nayannews.com/ (online news portal).
Editor Sunar shared with Freedom Forum that he had reported news about Mahashila rural municipality's ward chair Ram Bahadur Sunar cheating elder citizens in distribution of senior citizen's allowance. He had also recorded video of the complaint from victims.
"Ward chair Sunar then, threatened to cut my fingers and break hands and legs for writing news against him at the voting center on the day of election. He also accused me of defaming him during the election. Following his threat, I shared the incident with fellow journalists", he said.
"Today (June 2), I will file a complaint at the District Police Office, Parbat", he informed.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. Threatening and abusing journalists at the public place is sheer violation of press freedom. The chairperson should have adopted legitimate ways, had he any dissatisfaction over published news.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to apologize for his behavior and assure to respect journalists right to free reporting in future.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 4, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 13, 2022
- Event Description
Cadres of Nepali Congress led by Binod Dhakal, Chairperson of Nepali Congress Bharatpur-7, have mistreated a journalist who had reached the polling station at Krishnapur Secondary school of Bharatpur-7 to cover story of Jagannath Poudel, who had filed independent candidacy for the post of Mayor of Bharatpur after being denied candidacy from his party Nepali Congress on May 13. The journalist was in Krishnapur Secondary School's polling station in Bharatpur-7 to collect news when the cadres threatened the journalist to break their camera as well.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 28, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 16, 2022
- Event Description
Police officers attacked journalists Mahendra Sapkota and Bhim Bahadur Sijapati while reporting at the vote counting site in Dailekh on May 16. Dailekh lies in Karnali Province of Nepal.
Journalists Sapkota and Sijapati are associated with Avenues Television and Radio Nepal respectively.
Police used force and started baton charge upon journalists and public in the crowd following a clash among cadres at the vote counting site.
Journalist Sijapati shared with Freedom Forum, "Even though we raised our hands and showed our press identity card, police persons pounded baton over us. We have received injuries on hands and legs."
Police inspector on-duty also threatened the reporters to take whatever action they could against the attack, informed Sijapati.
Dilmaya Shahil of Narayan Municipality-7 along with two journalists were injured after police charged baton to control a clash between two group of youths before the office of chief election officer of Dailekh on May 16. The journalists and general public who were waiting for information regarding vote counting fell prey to police action after they rampantly charged batons. According to DPO Dailekh, two security personnel from APF and Police sustained injury after being hit with stones pelted by the youths.
Mahendra Sapkota, vice president of Federation of Nepali Journalists, Dailekh and Bhim Bahadur Sijapati, working at Radio Nepal were injured in the incident. The injured treated at the local health post. According to the District Police Office, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force were also injured in the incident.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 28, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 15, 2022
- Event Description
Policepersons assaulted reporters while reporting a protest in Butwal on April 15. Butwal lies in Lumbini Province of Nepal.
Journalists Sharan Kumar Karmacharya (www.khabarkura.com), Dinesh Shrestha (www.khabarkura.com),DB Sushling (http://www.globalawaj.com/), Santa Kumar Shrestha (Editor, https://samatalonline.com/) and Bijay Gyawali (https://jagaranpost.com/) were reporting on a protest being waged by the locals demanding fair probe on suspicious death a woman on Wednesday (April 13) in front of the Area Police Office.
The clash occurred among protestors and police persons while taming the protest. Meanwhile, the police person incharge at the protest grabbed journalist Karmacharya by beck and said, "We do not care about any journalist", when Gyawali tried to show his press ID card to the police.
According the media reports, police persons seized mobile phone of Sushling and threatened him to delete the recordings, threw the microphone of journalist Gyawali, and beat journalist Santa Shrestha with baton on his legs.
Freedom Forum condemns the police hostility to the journalists while doing their job. It is gross violation of press freedom. Nepal police should be aware of the journalists' right to free reporting and ensure their safety while taming the protest.
- Impact of Event
- 5
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 2, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 15, 2022
- Event Description
Nepal Police arrested a reporter at https://www.purbicommand.com/ Samjhana Rai along with two youtubers while covering a protest in Biratnagar on March 15. Biratnagar lies in Province-1 of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum, editor of the online news portal Saroj Basnet said that reporter Rai was taking video of a protest by the locals demanding justice to the families of an 18-months old child who was raped and murdered few days ago.
Though the police have arrested the accused, locals have been protesting, demanding compensation to the victim families and severe punishment to the perpetrators.
"I met reporter Rai in the District Police Office today (March 16) and requested the officials to release her as she was just reporting the event but the officers said that they would instead file a case of public offense against the reporter and youtubers for publishing news with names of the victim's parents", added Basnet.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. Arresting a journalist for covering news is sheer violation of press freedom. The statement of the police also depicts that they have deliberately arrested the reporter among the protestors. Together, journalists should maintain the privacy of victim, considering the sensitivity of the issues.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 20, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 2, 2022
- Event Description
Freedom Forum has been concerned over digital harassment meted out against a noted journalist and rights activist Ms Babita Basnet for her article published on March 2.
Ms Basnet had written an opinion article, stressing the need of reviewing law on rape . It was published on www.ghatanarabichar.com on March 2.
With its publication, campaign on social media (Facebook and Twitter) was launched in protest of Basnet and her opinion. Even a coordinated camapaign in Twitter was spread with a hashtag #BoycottBabitaBasnet, thereby meting out digital harassment on rights activist and journalist Basnet.
Talking to FF, journalist Basnet shared that the movement had seriously disturbed her. “I wrote the article based on one of my own case studies and it does not target any individual, group or gender. But, whatever I am facing now for practicing my right to free press and free expression harassed me much. I think it is a deliberate move to ruin my career”, she observed.
To this, Chief Executive at FF, Taranath Dahal viewed, “Every citizen has the right to agree or disagree on anyone’s opinion. Both agreement and disagreement are their rights to free speech. But spreading harsh messages through coordinated campaign and boycotting the opinion writer is sheer instance of intolerance. Such intolerance not only harasses the opinion writer but also affects free speech atmosphere.”
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Online Attack and Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to protect reputation
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 14, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 23, 2022
- Event Description
Umesh Shrestha, editor of Nepal Fact Check, was summoned and harassed by officers from Nepal Police's Cyber Bureau after publishing a report on the dissemination of ‘fake news’ regarding the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact fund. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and its Nepal affiliate, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), condemn the arbitrary harassment of journalists for their work and call for an investigation into the incident.
According to a blog post published by Shrestha, on February 22, officials from the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau in Kathmandu summoned Shrestha under the pretense of a 'discussion'. Upon his arrival on February 23, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Pradin Tamrakar harassed him and accused him of spreading misinformation regarding the MCC fund, a United States subsidised fund aimed at improving infrastructure in Nepal.
Shrestha, who is the founder of independent blog MySansar and an editor of Nepal Fact Check, a platform that investigates the content of Nepali media for false or misleading information, alleged that DSP Tamrakar threatened him with arrest.
According to Shrestha’s blog, the journalist was summoned by the Cyber Bureau following an article he published which documented a number of YouTube channels, news sites, and social media users in Nepal who spread misinformation regarding the MCC fund. The report also suggested measures to curb the spread of ‘fake news’.
“It is unfortunate that police harassed me even without knowing the content of my article. They asked me who provided the authority to write such an article. They treated me like a criminal. They were not ready to listen to me. They even threatened me with an arrest and tried to snatch my mobile phone when I tried making a call seeking help”, Shrestha said.
Shrestha was eventually released from the Bureau on February 23 after a one and half hour inquiry.
The MCC, an United States grant signed in September 2017 aimed at enhancing infrastructure in Nepal including electricity transmission lines and railroads, fell into recent controversy following multiple interpretations of some the agreement’s provisions.
According to the FNJ, a total of 32 cases of harassment and threatening of journalists from both state and non-state actors were documented in 2021.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Blogger/ Social Media Activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 6, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 8, 2022
- Event Description
A police person verbally abused and intimidated media person at www.ratosamachar.com Rajesh Thapa while reporting in Hetauda on February 8. Hetauda lies in Bagmati Province of Nepal.
Thapa told Freedom Forum that he was taking pictures of a highway blockage by the locals protesting the death of a local following an accident. The police persons, later resumed the traffic with the use of force.
"Meanwhile, traffic police on duty stopped me from taking the pictures and spoke foul on me. His misbehavior did not stop even after I shared that my identity as a media person", he added.
"I also informed a local police inspector about the incident but he ignored saying that it was a minor incident and happened because of the chaotic situation", he informed.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the intimidation meted out to media person while doing his job. This is not the first time media persons have been misbehaved while covering the protest.
FF strongly urges the security authority that it paid heed to the safety of journalists to ensure free and fair reporting atmosphere for the journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 23, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 1, 2022
- Event Description
Reporters with different online television channels Dipesh Raj Pandey, Hari Prarsad Pathak and Dasharath Bhandari were brutally attacked while reporting in Kathmandu on February 1. Kathmandu is the federal capital of Nepal.
Vice president at the Online Television Journalists Association Kushluv KC told Freedom Forum that the reporters were attacked while reporting on the complaints of the people duped by a human resource organization, Triple Star Manpower, at its office. The organization's staffs and supporters attacked the reporters. The Manpower company was complained of defrauding in the name of foreign employment.
The reporters sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at Greencity Hospital, according to KC. KC added that they registered a complaint at the Metropolitan Police Office against the attackers. Following this, the owner of the company was arrested on February 3.
Freedom Forum vehemently condemns the attack as it is a gross violation of press freedom. Attacking journalists and obstructing them from doing their job is against the constitutionally guaranteed rights of press freedom. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to carry out fair investigation of the incident and punish the assailants.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Corporation Corporation (others)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 23, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 15, 2022
- Event Description
Reporter with www.pnews.com.np Kailash Majhi was issued death threat through a letter for his reporting in Saptari district on February 15. Saptari lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
In a conversation with Freedom Forum, reporter Majhi shared, "I am a media person and an active Right to Information activist in the district. I have been using RTI to request public information at Saptari district's municipalities, community schools and other public offices for long. I also use the received information as news stories to make citizens aware of the ongoing public issues. But early in the morning today, I saw a letter outside the door of my house", he said.
The letter, as he informed, read: "You have been blackmailing local representatives and bureaucrats and reporting news critical to them for long. So, this is a final warning to you, if you ignore this letter and inform police or media then, we will shoot you at your house."
Then, reporter Majhi informed the local police and administration, demanding his security. He further informed the Freedom Forum that Chief District Officer had ensured that the case would be investigated.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is blatant violation of press freedom and citizen’s right to information. While every citizen has right to seek information at public agencies, use of information to make news is constitutionally guaranteed right to free press. Such incident creates panic among fellow journalists and hinders free flow of information.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to information
- HRD
- RTI activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Unknown
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Unknown
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 23, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 28, 2022
- Event Description
A reporter with Butwal Today national daily, Ram Avatar Chaudhary received death threat while reporting in Butwal on January 28. Butwal lies in Lumbini Province of Nepal.
Reporter Chaudhary shared with Freedom Forum that he had reached a local brick kiln to report on varying prices of bricks and child labour on the day of the incident.
"After I saw many children working at the kiln, I tried to talk to the owner about it. The owner not only refused to answer my questions but also threatened to kill me in the kiln", added Chaudhary.
Thereafter, the reporter informed the local police about the incident and returned back.
"On the next day, the owner was called at the police station where he apologized to us but we have demanded a written apology from him for security reasons", said Chaudhary.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is a sheer violation of journalists' right to free reporting. Moreover, child labour is one of the serious issues in Nepal and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 2000, prohibits the employment of children younger than 16 years of age into hazardous work.
Though the kiln owner apologized after the incident, such incidents may create panic among fellow journalists and affect citizens' right to access to information.
Hence, FF urges the concerned to be aware of journalists' rights and cooperate with them to contribute to social change.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 1, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 23, 2021
- Event Description
Two students have been injured in a clash between locals, students and police at Ring Road on December 23, 2021, after a student was killed after being hit by a truck on the highway in Lalbandi Municipality-9.
Dipendra Yadav, 16, a student of Janajyoti Secondary School in Chandannagar Rural Municipality-1, Ratanpur, was hit by a truck (Na 3 Kha 7990) at Lalbandi Municipality-9, Bastipur on the East-West Highway on December 20.
According to DSP Madhav Prasad Budhathoki of the District Police Office, two students were injured while they were protesting for justice for their friend who had died in the accident.
Ram Kishore Kumar Sah, 15, of Lalbandi Municipality-2, and Sikindra Kumar Yadav, 16, of Chandranagar Rural Municipality-1, Ratanpur, sustained injuries on their head and fractured their right leg. They were taken to Model Hospital, Lalbandi for further treatment informed Chandra Kishore Yadav, a student of Grade nine of Janajyoti Secondary School.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 12, 2022
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Nov 18, 2021
- Event Description
Nine lawyers, including President of the Nepal Bar Association Chandeshwor Shrestha and NBA Central Committee member Prakash Maharjan, were injured today when police used force against the protesting lawyers who were staging a sit-in at the main entrance of the Supreme Court.
While Shrestha suffered minor injuries, Maharjan was hit in the head and is undergoing treatment at a hospital, according to a press release issued by the NBA.
Senior Advocate Sabita Bhandari Baral, Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association Rishiram Ghimire, advocates Kapilchandra Ghimire, Yubaraj Banjade, Nitesh Shrestha, Raman Lal Karna, and Gopal Sapkota were also injured in police action.
The lawyers were protesting in front of the Supreme Court in Kathmandu demanding Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana’s resignation.
The lawyers on Thursday also vowed not to let Rana enter the Supreme Court. They have been trying to stop the chief justice from reaching office since Friday. However, Rana was using another gate to enter his office, while lawyers staged their sit-ins in front of the main gate.
On Thursday, according to court officials, the lawyers moved towards another gate that Rana had been using, only to be stopped by security personnel. Some were injured in the scuffle.
Rishi Ghimire, secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association and advocates Kapil Chandra Pokhrel and Yubaraj Banjade were also injured in the incident.
The protest in the Supreme Court first started on October 25 after justices refused to attend a full court meeting called by Rana. The justices accused Rana of not taking initiatives to bring reforms in the judiciary. The Supreme Court Bar Association and Nepal Bar Association then joined in. Hearings were affected, as judges boycotted benches.
But on Monday, five justices decided to return to benches, and four of them did hear cases assigned by Rana.
Lawyers, however, have said they will continue their protest as Rana’s resignation is their bottom line.
Justices now appear to have toned down their protest and are keen on returning to benches if cases are assigned through a raffle system. One of the demands of the protesting justices is that the chief justice should not prepare the cause list–which is a list of cases assigned to various justices.
After Thursday’s scuffle with police, the Nepal Bar has demanded that the Supreme Court administration remove security personnel other than those deployed for security of the court.
- Impact of Event
- 9
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Lawyer
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 22, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 19, 2021
- Event Description
Sitaram Adhikari is the District Representative of INSEC and a reporter of a local daily online of the district named saheekhabar.com. He has been involved in raising voice against injustice and writing about the contemporary issues of human rights. Adhikari had published news titled ‘Rural Municipality Chief Fled From the Program Venue’ (topic translated in English) after which the local youth club members protested against the chief and intervened in the program. After the news was published, Youth Association Nepal’s Central Member Hemanta Bhandari wrote an insulting post about Adhikari in his social profile and shared it with 30 people and also sent him life threatening messages. The issue was not reported to the police but the Federation of Nepali Journalists and Press Chautari (union of the journalists) released a press statement regarding the incident asking to use official mediums to express their dissatisfaction and not to use social media for character assassination and defamation of the reporters.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats, Online Attack and Harassment, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker, NGO staff
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 15, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 8, 2021
- Event Description
A group of 13 people, including 11 women, who arrived in Kathmandu from Nepalgunj on Wednesday seeking justice, were rounded up on Friday evening from Maitighar Mandala where they were staging a protest. The protesters were having dinner when the police intervened and detained them.
Fourteen people from Banke district had taken a long arduous journey on foot to the national capital to demand a fair investigation into the death of Nakunni Dhobi and the disappearance of Nirmala Kurmi.
Their march for justice that covered over 500 kilometres was prompted after local authorities allegedly refused to deliver justice to Nakunni and Nirmala.
Thirty-eight-year-old Nakunni was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her home on July 20 in Ward 2 of Janaki Rural Municipality in Banke.
Fifty-two-year-old Nirmala had gone missing in January 2010 from the same rural municipality. Her disappearance had come two years after her two teenage sons were murdered within the span of one week. Neighbours and villagers say Nirmala owned a great deal of property, making her disappearance and the murder of her two sons suspicious. But Banke district police is accused of never taking her disappearance seriously.
When local residents and activists pressured the police to investigate Nirmala’s disappearance, the District Police Office, Banke on December 1 last year turned them away saying there was no point in investigating the matter as Nirmala was already dead.
When the relatives and neighbours of Nakunni and Nirmala tried to lodge complaints with the district police with the support of the Banke chapter of the National Women Rights Forum in August this year, police once again refused to investigate the cases.
Police have also used trumped up charges of “polygamy” to detain a women’s rights activist who was leading a protest against the failure to properly investigate two alleged murders linked to land acquisition.
Police initially defied an October 10 Supreme Court habeas corpus order to produce Ruby Khan, a human rights defender who had been arrested at a sit-in protest in Kathmandu. She was finally brought to the court, and released, on October 14. During her week in custody, Khan told Human Rights Watch, the police attempted to “bargain” with her saying she would be released if she ended her protest movement.
- Impact of Event
- 13
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest, Women's rights
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 19, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 10, 2021
- Event Description
Reporter to Lumbini Television and Butwal FM Dinesh Gyawali was attacked while reporting in Butwal on October 10. Butwal lies in Lumbini Province of Nepal.
Reporter Gyawali was attacked while reporting on conflict among local protestors and policepersons in the industrial area of Motipur, Butwal.
The raged public attacked Gyawali even after he showed his press identity card and said that he was journalist.
"I tried to escape the attack but fell down and other two of the protestors rescued me. I also lost my mobile in the incident", he shared with Freedom Forum.
"Other reporters however, escaped the attack. Neither Police persons nor the protesting locals cooperated with us while reporting", said Gyawali.
Reporter Gyawali has sustained injury on his head and hands. He is undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack upon journalist while reporting. In most of the cases recorded at FF, journalists have been victim of attack while covering the protest even in presence of the police persons.
Suresh Pariyar, a member of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Rupendehi, and Krishna Pandey, a journalist working for Khasyauli FM, were also attacked in the clash, but no injuries were reported as they managed to flee from the site. They have accused that the police and protesters stopped them from gathering the news.
The General Secretary of Lumbini Television Dinesh Pandey told INSEC that Gyawali bore serious head and hand injury in the attack. He had to get five stitches on his head and had bruises all over his body informed Dinesh Pandey, general secretary of Lumbini Television.
According to the victim, he was harassed for recording the video of the clash and was beaten as well.
Dinesh said, ‘I was attacked even after showing my press card. I fell off. The mob confiscated my cell phone. I have no idea what they would have done to me but two people rescued me and took me to the hospital for treatment.
According to Pandey, Gyawali was discharged from the hospital on October 10.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 14, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 10, 2021
- Event Description
Media Alliance Nepal has drawn serious attention to the incident of police beating up an Avenues reporter who reached Hotel Marriott in Kathmandu to collect news.
Correspondent Sheetal Rijal and cameraman Suresh Rajak were beaten up by the police on September 10 at a Naxal-based hotel in Kathmandu. The issue of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is currently the most important issue in Nepal.
"It is the duty of the media to provide the public with information and information related to the incident," said a statement issued by Media Alliance Nepal.
The Alliance said that it was objectionable for the team led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police to take the media personnel under control for a few hours.
Nepal police manhandled reporters at https://avenueskhabar.com.np/ (online news portal) Shital Rijal and his cameraperson Suresh Rajak while reporting on September 10 in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the federal capital of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum, reporter Rijal said that the incident took place outside a hotel in central Kathmandu where the reporters were trying to cover the updates of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Police persons on duty outside the hotel barred their entry into the hotel and took the reporter under control for 1.5 hours.
"We requested the officers to let us return back without reporting but in vain. Thereafter, cameraperson Rajak started recording video, then the police manhandled us and broke the camera. They did not even state a reason for mistreating us", shared Rijal.
The reporters returned back home after 1.5 hours.
Lately, MCC has been an important issue of public concern in Nepal which has drawn wide attention of the public as well as other concerned sectors
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is sheer violation of press freedom and citizen's right to information. Obstructing the journalists from doing their job depicts how hostile the environment is for them. FF strongly urges the concerned authority to address the case seriously and provide compensation to the journalists for their loss.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 14, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 25, 2021
- Event Description
Sudarshan Shrestha, Chief of Arthasarokar Sudurpaschim Bureau, Jhalak Dawadi, Correspondent of Fulbari Khabar and Camera Person Hari Tiwari had complained against Krishna Giri, Chairperson of Siddhartha Community Forest at the District Police Office on August 26, 2021, accusing him of giving them a death threat.
After the locals had informed them that timber was being smuggled from Phulbari area of the community forest at Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan-14 through the connivance of employees and officials of the forest, the journalist had gone to the incident spot to verify the information.
Sudarshan Shrestha, Chief of Arthasarokar Sudurpaschim Bureau told INSEC that they had received a death threat on August 25 through a phone call.
Himal Joshi, District Chairperson of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Kailali, said that action should be taken against anyone who threatens to kill a journalist who went for an on-site mission for the purpose of disseminating factual information to the citizens.
DSP Pratik Bista of the District Police Office, Kailali said that the accused would not be arrested as the victim had not lodged an FIR therefore, both parties will be called to the District Police Office for discussion on the issue.
The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Sudur Paschim Province, Nepal Federation of Photo Journalists, Kailali and Press Chautari Nepal have issued a press release on August 26 demanding immediate action against the accused.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 10, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 8, 2021
- Event Description
The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has objected to the misconduct of CPN-Oli cadres on the journalists gone to cover the assembly held in front of Narayanhiti on February 6, 2021.
In a press statement signed by General Secretary of FNJ Ramesh Bista on February 6, the federation said that Binu Subedi, a journalist of Kantipur Daily, and Dipesh Shahi, a journalist of Naya Patrika Daily were not allowed to cover the news by the cadres even when they had shown the press pass.
According to the victim journalists, the cadres stopped them and blamed them of sending negative information regarding their assembly. They were blamed of having negative intention and were not allowed to cover the incident. The leaders of the party said they were unaware of the incident and they got to know about it through the news. They also apologized for the behaviour of the student cadres.
“This incident of harassment of journalists carrying independent professional responsibilities and obstruction during news gathering is an interference in the freedom of the press. The federation strongly condemns this anti-press freedom move,”- mentioned in the statement.
According to the victim journalist Binu Subedi, the cadres of the party had obstructed the news gathering and prevented him from moving forward. They had misbehaved with her and did not allow her to cover the event.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Restrictions on Movement
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 6, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 8, 2021
- Event Description
Cadres of the Nepal Students Union (NSU) were arrested from the Exhibition Road, Kathmandu on June 8, 2021 for protesting against the government. Those arrested were identified as Sanjeeb Dhakal, 27, Manish Khadka Chhetri, 26, Ramesh Khadka, 31, and Samrat Chhetri, 30.
According to Deepak Bhattarai, General Secretary of the NSU, the cadres have been arrested by the police for protesting against the government’s proposal to reduce the trade deficit by extracting stones, gravel and sand.
Similarly, Chairperson of NSU, Rajiv Dhungana has issued a statement demanding the unconditional release of those arrested cadres.
- Impact of Event
- 4
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 6, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 11, 2021
- Event Description
Police have arrested 18 members of the Civil Society’who were protesting in Baluwatar.
During the protest, police arrested writer and campaigner Khagendra Sangraula, Narayan Wagle, Yug Pathak, Sanjeev Upreti, Archana Thapa, Sarita Pariyar, Rita Pariyar, Praneta, Bhaskar Gautam, Anubhav Ajit, Yubraj Ghimire, Sangeet, Bhawana Rawat, Nirgha Nabin, Sashi Bikram Karki, Saurabh Karki, Saurabh Neupane, Anjan Babu.
Civil leader Narayan Wagle informed that the police had arrested 18 people including him while they were preparing to protest against the government’s plan to give affiliation to a medical college belonging to a person close to the government.
They were arrested by the police while preparing to protest against the government’s preparation to affiliate the medical colleges of a person close to the government.
They are currently kept at the Metropolitan Police Circle, Kamalpokhari. DSP Khumlal Bhusal of Kamalpokhari Police Circle said that they took control of the protestors who were about to initiate a protest during the prohibition period.
The doctors and leaders of civil society have been protesting against the professorship of VC Gyanendra Giri. Initially the protest started from Dharan. According to the students and the doctors of the institute, there are financial irregularities, corruption, and political intervention in the BPKIHS's services to deteriorate. Doctors, students, and staffs protested demanding reform at the institute for the past 27 days. The chairperson of Medical and Dentistry Teachers’ Welfare Society’s Chairperson Dr. Bishnu Pokhrel had posted that there are ‘irregularities’ in the institute. The students and doctors have asked Dr, Pokhrel to submit clarification over his social media post on the ‘irregularities’ at the institute. The doctors and students have sought clarification from the VC regarding media reports related to his professorial title. They have sought details about the university providing him the title of professorship and research work (along with the digital object identifier) he carried out.
- Impact of Event
- 18
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 6, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 1, 2021
- Event Description
Photojournalist Nimesh Jung Rai associated with www.nepallive.com- a news portal- was attacked by the police persons in the federal capital, Kathmandu, on July 3.
Rai was taking photographs of the torch rally organized by the agitated student wings of five major opposition political parties. The torch rally was begun from Minbhawan, Kathmandu.
As the rally moved toward the main road, the police began thrashing the protestors and also baton-charged the photojournalist Rai. Rai was beaten while he was shooting the protest.
Rai informed, “Although I produced my Press ID Card and showed camera, the police persons continued beating me.” He got injury on his knee with baton-charge.
Freedom Forum condemns the attack on photojournalist Rai. It is sheer violation of press freedom. The security persons must respect journalists’ right to free reporting. Suppressing journalists is the suppression of information and press freedom, which is not acceptable in democracy. The high authority of Nepal Police should instruct the lower level staffs on how they could respect journalists and separate journalists while taking control the protest.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 18, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 8, 2021
- Event Description
Reporter with an online television, Hello Nepal, Milan KC was thrashed by police persons in Chitwan on July 8. Chitwan lies in the Bagmati Province of Nepal.
According to reporter KC, he was attacked while reporting a protest staged by the family members of a local Sujita Bhandari whose dead body was found in a forest some days back. They have been demanding fair investigation of the murder of Bhandari.
"While I was taking video of the police taming the protestors, one of the police persons baton-charged me. He did not stop even after I showed my identity card", said reporter KC.
KC sustained deep injury on his legs and his camera was damaged in the incident.
"One of the senior officials has, however, assured me of providing compensation to repair my camera", he shared.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident because it is sheer violation of press freedom and freedom of expression. The police must stop such atrocity on media persons who are bringing news to the public despite adversity caused by COVID-19. FF strongly urges the high level of Nepal Police to investigate the incident and take action against the police persons beating journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 18, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 27, 2021
- Event Description
Nabin Chaudhary, 30, of Jaleshwor, Mahottari correspondent of AP 1 Television was assaulted by Sanjeev Kumar Raya, Chairperson of the Local Road Consumers’ Committee because Chaudhary had taken a video of the poor quality of work done by the construction team of Raya. The road is in Pataili of Jaleshwor Municipality-5. The road here was pitched on May 26 and according to the locals, it had collapsed the next day. According to the victim and locals, the road was never pitched previously and later the municipality had decided to concretize the road before the end of the fiscal year. The municipality had allocated a budget of NRs. 400,000 and the construction work was completed on May 27. According to the locals, the road was pitched directly on the muddy foundation without fulfilling any construction protocols. The next day, the road was already in a bad condition. The locals had informed Chaudhary to visit and cover the incident. After monitoring the site, Nabin had gone to discuss the matter with the accused after gathering some information using his mobile phone. But he was assaulted and he escaped the place saving his life. The complaint was filed after the accused had seized the communication devices of the victim and deleted the video he had captured. Accused Raya had also confiscated Nabin's motorbike. The victim journalist lodged a complaint at the District Police Office on May 27, 2021, demanding for justice. Even after the complaint was filed, the road has been maintained twice but is still in a mad condition due to its quality and of course due to monsoon. The Mahottari branch of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has shown serious concern over the incident.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 2, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 23, 2021
- Event Description
The policemen of the Lahan Area Police Office have been accused of abusing the human rights defenders inside the police station on January 22, 2021. INSEC Siraha Representative Durga Pariyar, Women Human Rights Defenders Network Siraha Chairperson Renu Karna, WOREC District Program Officer Dev Kumari Mahara, WOREC Program Officer Anita Chaudhary and psychological counsellor Kabita Chaudhary were mistreated by ASI Kamal Bhattarai along with other policemen working at Area Police Office Lahan when they had gathered to discuss on a case of domestic violence. A 20-year-old pregnant woman victim of domestic violence from Lahan Municipality-4 was kept in a safe house after her family members left her at WOREC on January 3, 2021. DSP Shaligram Sharma of the District Police Office, Siraha had informed about a discussion in which he had called both the parties at the Area Police Office, Lahan along with the Human Rights Defenders to resolve the issue and provide shelter to the victim on January 22, 2021. But according to Renu Karna, chairperson of the Women's Human Rights Defenders Network, the human rights defenders took the victim to the Area Police Office, Lahan, but the other side was not present in the discussion and they had to wait for the entire day. She added, 'Later when we left the place to buy a bottle of water, the police had tried to pull the victim out of the station and when we tried to defend her, they verbally abused us and misbehaved with us for taking her side,' DSP Sarat Kumar Thapa Chhetri of the Area Police Office Lahan had apologized for the mistake made by the policemen while he was away and they had now sent the victim to her home with her family members.
- Impact of Event
- 5
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Women's rights
- HRD
- WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 2, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 18, 2021
- Event Description
Journalist Bishwanath Simkhada, 30, a resident of Raskot Municipality-2 was given death threat by the cadres of All Nepal National Independent Student Union- Revolutionary (ANNISU- Revolutionary) for publishing news about their activity. The accused have been identified as Man Singh Shahi, 25, of Khandachakra Municipality-6 and Hikmat Jung Singh, 24, of Mahawai Rural Municipality-4.
According to the victim, the accused Shahi and Singh had threatened to kill him after he published the news of ANNISU- Revolutionary involving students of Dev Secondary School in their program. The title of the news was- 'Red salute at the age of studying life and the world' and it was published on April 20, 2021.
The involvement of the students in the political activities has been found time and again in the country. According to the Convention on the Child Rights, school and children are the zone of peace. Therefore, it is wrong to involve children in the partisan politics.
The victim had raised his voice against this violation of child rights and therefore received threat from the accused. The accused had used the number 9848348670.
Simkhada, a journalist working for Rajdhani Daily, Online News Khabar and a member of Education Journalist Group had received a call at around 4 pm on April 20. The accused had threatened to break his limbs like Dekendra Thapa, a journalist from Dailekh.
The district branch of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Kalikot and Karnali Province Committee have issued a press release condemning the incident. A separate press release signed by FNCCI Karnali Province General Secretary Khagendra Bhattarai and District Branch Chairperson of Kalikot Bharatraj Bista was issued about the incident. Press Chautari Nepal Kalikot has also issued a press release. A press release signed by Press Chautari Nepal Kalikot District Acting Coordinator Ramesh Sunar has demanded the local administration to take legal action against those who threatened journalist Simkhada.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 23, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 18, 2021
- Event Description
District Correspondent of Naya Patrika Daily, Surendra Kamati, 37, of Siraha Municipality-7, and Correspondent of Avenues Television Shubh Narayan Kamati, 39, of Siraha Municipality-11 were mistreated while they were reporting a case on the allegation of witchcraft. A complaint was lodged against Ram Chandra Sah, 28, of Aurahi Rural Municipality-5 at the District Police Office, Siraha on April 19. According to the victim journalist Shubh Narayan, the accused Sah threatened to kill him while he was going to the spot to collect news after receiving information about the incident. According to Inspector Dipendra Shrestha of the District Police Office, Siraha, the accused is absconding. The two reporters had gone to cover the story of Hiradevi Sah, 50, of Aurahi Rural Municipality-5 who was accused of witchcraft by her nephew Ghuran Sah, 28, and her daughters-in-law Surji Sah, 48, Koshila Sah, 40, and Sarita Sah, 27. According to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, the accusation of witchcraft is a major violation. This practice has been a major issue in the Terai. Even till date, women who are mostly in their old age or if they are widow or single are targeted for the allegation of witchcraft. Most of the time, the allegation is made either by their family members or neighbours. According to the Nepal Human Rights Year Book 2021, an annual publication of INSEC, one male and 58 female were the victims of allegation of witchcraft. Generally, they are accused if their family members are constantly sick or if there is a dispute related to property. The victim was abused by her own family members. She was beaten and mishandled. The journalist duo had gone to cover the incident. The accused gave death threat to the victims for trying to intervene in the situation and were told not to publish the news. Therefore, a complaint was filed against them. Police have arrested the accused Ghuran Sah on April 18 on the charge of misbehaviour while the other accused is absconding.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 23, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 5, 2021
- Event Description
Nepal Police misbehaved with Shyam Paswan, a Photojournalist at Birgunj television while reporting at the border area in Parsa on June 5. Parsa district lies in Province 2 of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum, report Paswan shared that earlier on May 31, he had reported news about open cross-border smuggling amid the prohibitory order declared by the government to contain COVID 19. Following this, one of the police officers reported to be involved in smuggling called on reporter Paswan's mobile and threatened him for writing the news without his consent.
Thereafter, on June 5 reporter Paswan again reached the border area to report on the illegal transport of goods. Meanwhile, on-duty police persons asked him to show his identity card, license, and mobile.
He showed his identity card but they not only deleted the photos and videos from his mobile but also took him under control for 30 minutes at the local police station.
"After the incident, I have no courage to reach the site for further reporting.", Paswan said.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is a gross violation of press freedom. Such intimidation to the journalists working frontline even during the pandemic is discouraging and severe violation of the free press and citizen's right to information. Journalists have right to expose the irregularities and issues of public concern.
Hence, FF strongly urges the security authority to address the issue and ensure a safe reporting atmosphere for the journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 22, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 17, 2021
- Event Description
Freedom Forum has been alarmed over the threat issued to editor at Kantipur daily, Abdullah Minya, merely for writing news relating to environment and forest.
Former Minister of Forest and Environment, Prem Bahadur Ale, issued threat to senior deputy editor at Kantipur daily and former central member of FNJ, Minya, during a telephone call Minya made for interview yesterday. Minya is a noted environmental journalist.
"I know what you deserve. Wait, how I assault you," said Ale being angry in course of receiving information about his works during his ministerial stint. Ale was relieved of responsibility in the recent Cabinet reshuffle. News reports were rife about the irregularities in the ministry earlier.
The threat of physical assault on editor is a sheer violation of press freedom. In case the former Minister had any concern over the news content, he could take legal recourse as going to Press Council Nepal, but issuing threat for writing news is against press freedom. It has harassed the journalist.
The ex-minister must respect press freedom and journalists' right to free reporting.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 22, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 14, 2021
- Event Description
Associate editor at https://annapurnatimes.com/ Gyanu Shrestha was issued threat of attack for publishing news in Ramechhap on June 14. Ramechhap district lies in Bagmati Province of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum, editor Shrestha shared that she had published news about the misuse of vaccination drive where groups other than targeted people received vaccine on June 11. They shared photos taken during vaccination as well.
On this, a local teacher Khyaan Bahadur Shrestha called her by phone and threatened her of attack for publishing his pictures in the news. He also spoke foul on her and said that the photos tarnished his image.
Editor Shrestha, however, said that she had received those photographs from other sources which were also posted on Shrestha's own facebook page. She also confirmed that he along with others have misused the vaccination drive which was open only for people aged 60-64 years.
"I have filed a complaint at the district police station, the senior official has assured me of fair investigation", she informed.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to the journalist for doing her job. Reporting on the social irregularities and malfunctions is the prior duty of a journalist and being intimidated merely for doing one's job is deplorable.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned to apologize for the misbehavior, threat and respect journalists' right to free press.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 22, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 12, 2021
- Event Description
Producer and reporter with https://www.nepalaaja.com/ (a web-based news portal), Madhav Prasad Guragain, was attacked and issued death threat while reporting in Kathmandu on April 12. Kathmandu is the federal capital of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum's media monitoring desk, reporter Guragain said, "I reached the construction site of Kathmandu View Tower to report on the complaints of sub-contractor. As I started to record the video from my mobile, contractor Manoj Bhetuwal seized my mobile and threw it."
Guragain had reached the site with one of the sub-contractor who had complained of nonpayment after finishing his construction assignment.
"Supervisor Gyan Bahadur Ray issued death threat to me. Even the police officers did not take any action against the incident", informed Guragain.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Corporation Corporation (others)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Apr 25, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 29, 2021
- Event Description
Publisher and editor of Rapti Sonari daily newspaper Hemant Chaudhary was beaten severely for reporting news on March 29 in Banke. Banke lies in Lumbini Province of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum, Chaudhary shared that he had published news about illegal transport of crushed stones from the Rapti Sonari Municipality of Banke and the arrest of local youths with illegal drugs. In both the news, police arrested the accused with the help of journalist Chaudhary.
Thereafter, Chaudhary started to receive numerous threats through phone calls. Even after the attack, he has been receiving threats of shooting to death.
"Now, am under the security of Nepal police, they are also searching for the attackers", he informed.
Journalist Chaudhary has sustained injuries on his back and legs from the attack.
Freedom Forum vehemently condemns the brutal attack upon a journalist for doing his job. Despite the availability of alternate ways to express discontent over news published, attacking and threatening journalists is deplorable. Such incidents are detrimental to the free press and the right to information.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to identify the attackers as soon as possible and punish them as per law thus ensuring justice to the journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Suspected non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Apr 2, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 2, 2021
- Event Description
Chandra Man Shrestha Secretary of Karnali province chief mistreated the officials of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) who on March 2 came to discuss the demands of the Badi community of Karnali demanding food, cloth, and shelter and about the initiatives being taken by the Karnali state government. While the issue was being discussed, Shrestha called the police and used force to get the NHRC- Nepalgunj chief Jhankar Rawal out of the office.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)’s Nepaljung Office has claimed that the provincial government’s high-ranking officials had mistreated its monitoring team.
The monitoring team had reached the provincial government’s office to inquire about its view and response towards the ongoing protest of Badi people in Karnali Province.
The team, according to the NHRC, is said to have faced ill-treatment at the hands of the chief secretary of the Office of Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, Karnali Province, Chandraman Shrestha, and secretary at the Ministry for Social Development, Loknath Poudel.
As many as 440 families from the Badi community, marginalized and most impoverished communities, from Surkhet, Dailekh, Kalikot, Jajarkot and Salyan districts have been protesting in front of the Office of the Chief
Ministers and Council of Ministers, Karnali Province Government for over 10 days. Their demands include accommodation, education, health and employment.
A press statement issued by NHRC’s spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel here today said that a letter has been written to the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Minister and Chief Secretary of the Karnali Province, Chandraman Shrestha to provide the factual details about the incident.
The letter notes, “The NHRC has received a report which states that the monitoring team was ridiculed with questions such as “Why should we furnish you the details? Are you the Commissioner to whom we are obliged to furnish the details?” and the officials ordered the sub-inspector of police to get rid of the monitoring team.”
The NHRC has asked the erring provincial government officials to provide them the detail of the incident on that day within three days. The human rights watchdog has said that the monitoring team was working in compliance with the role and responsibilities stipulated in the constitution of Nepal and the prevailing law and has demanded the detailed report of the incident as per the Constitution of Nepal and the Human Rights Commission Act-2068 BS.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to information
- HRD
- NHRI/ NHRI staff
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 12, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 2, 2021
- Event Description
Executive editor at https://freepressnepal.com/ (an online news portal) Bikash Shrestha was arrested today from Balaju, Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the federal capital of Nepal.
Freedom Forum has learned that Shrestha was arrested for taking pictures of the arrested locals inside the police custody.
Nepal Police has arrested few activists of road expansion victim struggle committee for protesting at the metropolitan's construction site.
Talking to FF, an officer said that reporter Shrestha was arrested for taking pictures inside the station. He will be released few hours later after deleting the photos and videos, he informed.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the incident as it is gross violation of press freedom. Police station is a public place and a journalist has right to report the activities in the [public places. However, police officers statement that journalists are not allowed to report inside the station is unlawful. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect the constitutionally guaranteed rights to free press and demands immediate release of the journalist without damaging reporting coverage.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Censorship
- Rights Concerned
- Media freedom, Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 3, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 24, 2021
- Event Description
Nepal Police misbehaved with the reporter to https://www.khojsanchar.com/ (an online news portal) Pragya Thaiba in Kathmandu on February 24. Kathmandu is the capital city situated in the Bagmati Province of Nepal.
Photojournalist Thaiba shared with Freedom Forum that while she was reporting on conflict among locals and police persons at police station, one of the officers seized her camera with the order from Police Inspector.
The officer also warned her that she was not allowed to take pictures or videos on the office premises. Later, they deleted the pictures and returned back the camera, she added.
Police had arrested the members of Valley Road Expansion Vitim Struggle Committee for protesting at the metropolitan construction site.
Freedom Forum expresses serious concern over intimidation on photojournalist and deletion of photo from her camera because it is sheer violation of press freedom. Reporting on the issues of public concern is the journalists' rights.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 3, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 16, 2021
- Event Description
Two youths were arrested from the protest against the government in Pyuthan district on February 16 . Pyuthan lies in Lumbini Province of Nepal.
As per the information received at Freedom Forum, cadres of the student wing of Nepali Congress party Tuna Ram Khatri and Sagar GM were arrested for protesting against the government. They have been reported that they chanted slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, decrying his move to dissolve parliament.
Lately, political parties, leaders and their student wings have been protesting against the dissolution of the House of Representatives in Nepal. The case is currently in sub judice in court.
Freedom Forum has recorded many other incidents of violation of freedom of speech in different parts of country. A week back, a female youth leader was briefly detained for her speech. She was released after severe criticism.
Freedom Forum shows concern over the arrest of citizens for exercising their right to speech. It urges the concerned security agency to release them and respect their fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 3, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 21, 2021
- Event Description
A municipality chief threatened www.thahakhabar.com 's Jumla based reporter Dil Maya Shahi through telephone call today (February 21). Jumla lies in Karnali Province of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum's monitoring desk, Shahi shared that she had written a news critical to the Chandannath Municipality's Mayor Kantika Sejuwal. After the publication of news, Sejuwal call Shahi and threatened for writing the news.
"She spoke abusive and also called me to her office in threatening voice", said Shahi, "later, I knew that Sejuwal along with her daughter were preparing to attack me at office."
"Being a reporter, I have right to report on the important issues and Mayor being a public personality should accept criticism and deal in other ways for dissatisfaction over the news", claimed reporter Shahi.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is gross violation of press freedom. Government has always been intolerant to the media criticism. Despite availability of the legal provisions to report about any dissatisfaction over published news, government authority's intimidation to the reporter is deplorable.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 3, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 22, 2021
- Event Description
Police have arrested 6 right activists on the charge of protesting for the justice of Nirmala Pant in Kanchanpur on February 22. Among the arrested were Sarada Chand, Anandi Rana, Laxmi Malla, Nirmala Joshi Bhatt, Khadak Bisht, and Mina Bhandari.
Right activities staged a symbolic protest demanding justice for Nirmala Pant, who was killed after being raped while Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was laying the foundation stone of Daiji Chhela Industrial Area in Kanchanpur. They protested wearing a t-shirt with the caption " where is the murder of Nirmala Pant?".
- Impact of Event
- 6
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 3, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 11, 2021
- Event Description
Post photojournalist Kabin Adhikari sustained injuries on Thursday while taking photographs of a demonstration at New Baneshwor against the arrest of Ram Kumari Jhakri on charges of offence against the state.
Adhikari's ankle is fractured, physicians attending him said.
He is undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital.
According to eyewitnesses, Adhikari was injured when the police baton-charged the protestors near the Everest Hotel.
Jhankri was arrested by the police from her residence at Shankhamul on Thursday afternoon.
Soon after the arrest, there was widespread condemnation of her arrest saying that the government tried to curb freedom of speech.
Police have released Jhakri on Thursday evening after the leaders of various parties demanded the release.
Meanwhile, the Photo Journalists Club wished Adhikari a speedy recovery and urged the agitating parties and the government to create a conducive environment for the media to operate in and the flow of information.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 3, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 21, 2021
- Event Description
An online news portal www.rupaantaran.com has been blocked since January 21. The news portal was run by a noted journalist Kishor Nepal from Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the federal capital of Nepal.
Two weeks ago, journalist Nepal wrote in a tweet - 'My only news portal has been blocked. What the anger with the words! It hurts a lot for being censored for practicing press freedom and freedom of expression.'
He has further accused 'cyber army' of blocking the website reasoning he used to write news and opinions critical to the government.
In this connection, Freedom Forum made an inquiry on Cyber Crime Bureau of Nepal Police, which responded that they were uninformed about the case.
Similarly, Assistant Director at Nepal Telecommunication Authority, Sunil Khatiwada, confirmed that the site was not been blocked by NTA.
Whether the news portal is blocked or banned, it has violated internet freedom, freedom of expression and press freedom. It is a violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution. Lately, the cyber-surveillance has grown in Nepal, which might have the hand behind it as journalist Nepal guessed. The misuse of authority to suppress citizen's rights can not be imagined in democratic system. If any side had dissatisfaction over the news content, legitimate move of complaints could be adopted rather than blocking the website.
Freedom Forum therefore urges the concerned authorities to facilitate for the immediate restoration of news portal run by noted journalist Nepal.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Censorship, Online Attack and Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Internet freedom, Media freedom, Online
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 10, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 25, 2021
- Event Description
Police had intervened and used force in a protest rally of the civil society activists against the dissolution of the House of Representatives in Baluwatar area on January 25, 2021. Police also used water cannons and charged baton on demonstrators gathered in Baluwatar. The protestors have accused the police for using the unnecessary force which turned the peaceful citizen's protest into violence. They also accused that the police has tried to ban from their rights to peaceful assembly and association. Journalist and writer Narayan Wagle, who was involved in the protest, said that the move by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to dissolve the House of Representatives was unconstitutional. According to Narayan Wagle, former commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission Mohana Ansari, Arundev Joshi, Nirgha Navin, Sangharsh Dahal, Swarnim Dinesh and other human rights defenders were injured after police used force. Among the injured, Nirgha was taken to Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj and Sangharsh and Swarnim were taken to Model Hospital for treatment. Police had intervened while the civic leaders were marching from Kamalpokhari to Hattisar, Nagpokhari, Naxal and from Bhatbhateni to Baluwatar. Police arrested 26 civil society leaders, including Krishna Pahadi, Founder President of Human Rights and Peace Society, Uttam Pudasaini, Chairperosn, Member Krishna Kandel, Secretary Bal Bahadur Gaha Magar, Treasurer Ram Krishna Baral, Central Member Namrata Kharel, Lalitpur Branch Chairperson Chandramani Banjara, Kathmandu Branch Chairperson, Jagannath Pudasaini, human rights activist Ram Chandra Khatiwada, Suraj Bohra, Ishwar Pudasaini, Ramesh Baral, Purushottam Ghimire, Uma Gautam, Maya Bhattarai, Laxmi Rana, Sanu Lama, RS Mahato, Dikambar Rana, Bhagwan Pudasaini, Kiran Dhakal, Rose Bista, Kingkong Rai, Sanjog Rai, Mohini Prasad Acharya. They were kept at Nepal Police and then released after four hours. In a press statement released by the Human Rights and Peace Society, which has been protesting against Prime Minister KP Oli's move of dissolving the House of Representatives, mentioned that the government was trying to influence the court and legal procedures, misuse the state mechanism, and the prime minister and ministers made abhorrent statements.
- Impact of Event
- 26
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Use of Excessive Force, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 26, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 8, 2021
- Event Description
Nepal Police arrested citizens for protesting peacefully at a program in Dhangadhi on January 8. Dhangadhi lies in the Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal.
Local youths Binod Khadka, Aarud Sah, Sagar Joshi, Rajendra Shahi, Pravin Khadka, Suresh Joshi, and Naresh Prasad Joshi were arrested for wearing t-shirt with slogans- Where is the rapist of Nirmala Panta?
Nirmala Panta, a 13-year old girl was raped and murdered in Kanchanpur in 2018. The locals claim the 'accused is still roaming scot-free'. The investigation authority had earlier stated that the perpetrator would be arrested soon but no action has been taken yet.
The youths had worn t-shirts to create pressure on government to arrest and punish the rapist and murderer of Nirmala Panta. The program was being addressed by the Prime Minister.
Other attendees in the program also shared that they were not even allowed to wear black mask.
Youths were detained for four hours and released later, informed chief of District Police Office, Kailali.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is gross violation of citizen's right to peaceful protest. It has resulted in suppression of freedom of expression. Such incidents represent government's authoritarian move and intolerance towards public criticism. Citizen's right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest is guaranteed by Nepal's constitution.
- Impact of Event
- 7
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- WHRD, Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 15, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 11, 2020
- Event Description
Reporter with Dhangadhi-based Dinesh FM Narayan Awasthi received threats of attack through telephone for reporting news in Dhangadhi on December 11. Dhangadhi is situated in Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal.
According to Freedom Forum's representative Min Bam, news about a payment released without any work progress in the infrastructure development program led by Province's Assembly Member Nepalu Chaudhary was aired via FM radio on December 9.
Again on December 10, news claiming payments made on the basis of ‘only paper works’ in the area of Parliamentarian Chaudhary was published on www.dineshkhabar.com.
Following the publication of news, Ram Chandra Chaudhary calling himself a member of Municipality Committee Secretariat called on the phone and threatened Awasthi of physical assault using abusive words, said representative Bam.
Thereafter, Awasthi called Parliamentarian Chaudhary to inform him about the threat but the Parliamentarian in turn, replied that he deserves punishment for writing fake news and that he did not report in their favor.
However, FF has noted that reliable local sources have been quoted in the above-mentioned news.
Reporter Awasthi has informed local administration about the incident and is preparing to file a complaint against them, informed Bam.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 8, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 16, 2020
- Event Description
Chief Editor at https://www.kathmandukhabar.com/ Keshav Raj Pathak was issued death threat for reporting news in Kathmandu on December 16. Kathmandu is the federal capital of Nepal.
During conversation with Freedom Forum's media monitoring desk, editor Pathak shared that he has been reporting on various issues of illegal excavation and plotting of land in Budhanilkantha municipality. Recently the municipality and district forest authority had restricted ongoing plotting of land in the municipality following a complaint filed by Pathak.
"On the day of incident, two masked men approached me while walking along the plotting area and threatened saying- this is our plot; you have risked your life doing this so now bear consequences", said Pathak.
He further said that he has also informed local authority including Metropolitan Police Range about the incident requesting his safety.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the incident as it is sheer violation of press freedom. Despite availability of the legitimate ways to show dissatisfaction over news published, hostile behavior meted out against journalists time and again is worrying. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to ensure safety of the journalists and avoid any mishaps in future
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 8, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 23, 2020
- Event Description
Arjun Giri, editor at https://www.tandavnews.com/ (an online news portal) was issued threat of physical assault. He got such threat by a phone in Pokhara on December 23. Pokhara lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum, Giri shared that a senior reporter with the online, Madhav Bhusal, had reported news entitled- 'sexual assault on women: a blot on the image of a religious guru Prakash' on December 20. An unknown person called on Bhusal's mobile and asked for the proof of the content in the news.
Bhusal then forwarded the call to Giri. The caller, who introduced himself as an officer from Central Bureau of Investigation also threatened Giri saying he would send his goons to the office for publishing the baseless news.
Giri, however, claimed that he had every proof for the news and was not scared of any threats.
"But, because the person says himself a police I have reported to District Police Office and CIB Police Headquarters about the incident," Giri shared.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the threat issued to journalist for reporting news. It is a gross violation of press freedom. One can seek the Nepal Press Council's help to show concern with news contents and follow legitimate ways.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to investigate the case fairly and ensure security to the journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 8, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Dec 1, 2020
- Event Description
Jhapa-based reporter to Mountain Television Khagendra Ghimire and his camera person Bhaskar Shrestha were attacked by the government officials while reporting in a Land Revenue Office in Jhapa on December 1. Jhapa district lies in Province 1 of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum's monitoring desk, Ghimire shared, "We were recording a video of a staff (Indra Rajbanshi) receiving bribe amount Rs 10,000 from a client. Meanwhile, the staff snatched the camera."
"Following this, we went to the office of the Chief Tara Dhungel to discuss the matter but Rajbanshi along with others thrashed us on our shoulders and face," added Ghimire.
Reporter Ghimire sustained injuries on his head, chest and has been undergoing treatment at the local hospital. Cameraperson Shrestha however, escaped injury from the incident.
Ghimire has also filed a First Information Report at the Area Police station, Damak.
A team of journalists are talking to the police chief demanding the arrest of the accused, informed Ghimire to FF.
Freedom Forum vehemently condemns the incident as it is a gross violation of press freedom. Reporting on the irregularities and the issues of public concern is the duty of a journalist. Also, the citizens pay tax to receive service from the public bodies thus, they deserve fair service delivery. In this case, while asking for bribe is a crime, attacking journalists for doing their job adds to it. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to arrest and punish the attackers and ensure a fair reporting atmosphere for the journalists.
-Update- Main accused Indra Rajbanshi has been arrested on December 4 after an arrest order issued by the District Administration office and is kept under detention for further investigation at Jhapa Police Office.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 8, 2021
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Nov 2, 2020
- Event Description
Nepal Police has arrested nine RTI activists while registering their RTI applications at District Ayurvedic Health Centre Parsa today (November 2). Parsa lies in the Province 2 of Nepal.
As per information received at Freedom Forum, nine activists Manoj Rouniyar (Member, National Network for RTI), Udaya Kushwaha, Pravin Manipal, Pramila Giri, Dip Narayan Prasad Yadav, Salamat Hussain Mansoor, Keshar Das, Rupesh Singh and Birendra Yadav had reached the health centre to register their RTI application separately. In the meantime, police arrested them and released however, Kushwaha and Manipal were detained for four hours.
The incident has been reported to take place with alleged involvement of the office's Chief Ramesh Mishra, Information Officer Nagendra Prasad Patel and District Police Chief.
FF's representative Rajan Singh quoted Rouniyar as saying Mishra and Patel threw their RTI applications and called the police to arrest them.
Arrested activists had filed RTI seeking information on office staff, yearly income, details about information officer and review meeting's expenditure at the office.
The nine were taken under control outside the prison after they went to Ayurveda Health Center to register a petition under the Right to Information Act on suspicion of irregularities of District (Parsa) Ayurveda Health Center such as the income and expenditure details for the fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-19, fuel expenditure and certified copy of the qualifications of the staff.
They complained of being arrested without registering the application and said that it was against the human rights to be detained by the police for seeking the information as it is a fundamental right to receive information. The Club has been drawing the attention of the stakeholders by complaining that the Ayurveda office’s staff not usually present in the office, office items are used in people's homes and there is no transparency in the office.
Chief of the District Ayurveda Health Office, Dr Ramesh Mishra, said that the police arrested them due to an old scandal where the youths belonging to the Club tried to assault him by abusing the service recipients came to the centre on October 19. Meanwhile, police released them after understanding the matter from both sides.
- Impact of Event
- 9
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Right to information, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- RTI activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 5, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 13, 2020
- Event Description
Reporters Chitra Mijar, Anish Tiwari and Niroj Chaulagain were misbehaved while reporting in Sindhupalchowk on October 13. Sidhupalchowk lies in Bagmati Province.
Mijar and Tiwari are affiliated to Gorkhapatra and Kantipur National dailies respecively, while Chaulagain is associated with AP1 television.
Talking to Freedom Forum's monitoring desk, reporter Tiwari shared,"We were talking to the families who were forcefully displaced after a hydropower project started road construction without their consent. Meanwhile, a group of youth approached and shouted at us saying - Is this what you called journalism! Don't you have to listen to us?"
The reporters then talked to the youth and collected the voice of both sides.
"But again the youths in a group of 20-25 encircled us for at least two hours while we were heading towards the project site. Thereafter, we returned without reporting at the hydropower project site", said Tiwari. The youths had also threatened the driver for carrying journalists and vandalized their vehicle.
Further, claiming that people threatened and obstructed them while doing their job, Tiwari wondered, "Do we even have the right to report freely?"
They have also filed a complaint at the local police station. The case is under investigation.
Freedom Forum condemns the misbehavior meted out to the reporters. Reporting on the issues of public concern is the right of journalists guaranteed by the constitution. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to apologize for the misbehavior and respect journalists' rights.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 20, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 10, 2020
- Event Description
Terai Human Rights Defenders Alliance (THRD Alliance) condemns the cold-blooded murder of an environmental rights defender in Dhanusha district of the Tarai region, Nepal. The 24year-old Om Prakash Mahato was crushed to death by a tipper owned by a crusher company on 10 January 2020 while protesting the illegal extraction of river materials from a river located near his village. We call on the authorities to set up a parliamentary inquiry into the illegal extraction of river materials, review of existing regulations and for the company to provide compensation to the family.
CASE DETAILS On 10 January 2020, Om Prakash Mahato, who goes by the nickname ‘Dilip’, 24, of Mithila Municipality-5, Dhanusha district, was killed while he was protesting the illegal extraction of the riverbed materials from Aurahi River located near his village Shreepur Tol. The night before the incident, someone had informed Dilip that aggregates (sand and stones) were going to be extracted illegally from Aurahi river. Before he left toward the river, at around 4 am, he did not inform his family but he informed the ward chairperson by mobile phone that he was going there to confront the crusher company. His friend, Roshan Yadav, accompanied Dilip. Dhanusha District Police Chief Ramesh Kumar Basnet told the media: “He was manhandled, stabbed in the right side of his stomach with an iron lever, his body was then laid on the river bed, and run over by a truck (number Na 7 Kha 6413). We are further investigating the matter.”1 Meanwhile, Dilip’s family members told THRDA monitors that the contractors intentionally killed him. They informed that Dilip had earlier arguments with local contractors – Janak Mahato, Lochan Mahato and Bipin Mahato – who had threatened to kill him for opposing river extraction.
BACKGROUND Aurahi River lies in Mithila Municipality. The municipality awarded a contract of NPR 40.51 million to local contractors to extract river materials from the Aurahi river. The locals and farmers opposed the extraction of river materials from the deep riverbed which was beyond the permissible limit mentioned in the contract. The contactors were illegally extracting the river materials. The local farmers, including Dilip, whose fields adjoin the river, had been protesting the illegal extraction of the river materials by the contactors since it started two years ago. Dilip had repeatedly received death threats from the contractors throughout this period. He had repeatedly gotten into disputes with the owners and employees of the Churiyamai Sand Processing Centre. When Dilip did not stop his campaign against the crusher company, contractors tried to bribe him but he continued to oppose the illegal mining. The death of Dilip, who was the eldest son, is a major loss to the family. He was expected to work as an engineer soon. He was an engineering student at a university in Bhopal, India and had recently taken the final exams. He had come home to spend his vacation with his family. His parents have worked hard to pay for his tuition in India.
INVESTIGATION AND ACTION Police moved the body of Dilip for the post-mortem without preparing a crime scene report. Irate locals halted vehicle movement on the Mahendra Nagar Highway to protest it. They also demanded a stringent punishment for the killers of Dilip. On 11 January 2020, Dilip’s family lodged the First Information Report (FIR) at the District Police Office of Dhanusha district. Police assured the family that they would investigate the incident impartially and punish those responsible for his death. In a press meeting organized on 11 January 2020, police said that they arrested four persons allegedly involved: 27-year-old Bipin Kumar Mahato (owner of Churiyamai Sand Processing Centre), 34-year-old Munindra Mahato (tipper driver), another driver Jitendra Kumar Mahato (24-years-old) of Bardibas Municipality, Mahato, and 27-year-old Roshan Kumar Yadav (his friend). In a meeting of the National Assembly held on 12 January 2020, lawmakers demanded legal action against the perpetrators2. The National Assembly members also urged the government to curb ongoing illegal extraction of riverbed materials. Meanwhile, Province 2 Government on 13 January announced the payment of an ex gratia of NPR 0.5 million to Dilip’s family. In a statement released on 12 January,3 the National Human Rights Commission called the authorities to carry out an impartial and effective investigation into the case.
CALL TO ACTION Given the contemporary political scenario, human rights defenders (HRDs) in Nepal are at risk while carrying out their work. The actions and controversial bills4 such as Media Council Bill, Information Technology Bill, Nepal Special Service Bill5 introduced by the government have created fear among HRDs. The government also proposed an amendment to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act 2012 which undermines the independence of NHRC as it gives the Attorney General powers to decide which cases recommended for prosecution by the NHRC are brought before the courts, and it also abolishes the power of the NHRC to maintain regional offices. About the situation of HRDs in Nepal, Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2020 mentions: The Home Ministry prepared draft legislation that will give the government powers to monitor and control the activity of all domestic and international organizations in Nepal. Human rights defenders feared that these powers will be used to harass activists, and to deny access to external funding for human rights work. As of now, Nepal does not have specific laws or policies on the protection of HRDs. In 2009, the human rights community had drafted a human rights defenders bill7. The bill is yet to be registered in the parliament. But the discussions on the bill are underway among human rights organizations. It is high time that the human rights community and national and international stakeholders lobby the government and policy makers to enact a law on HRDs’ security. The cold-blooded murder of the environmental rights defender sends a chilling message to those carrying out human rights work in Nepal. We urge the authorities to create a conducive environment for HRDs. Despite media reports and ongoing protests staged by locals, the illegal mining of river materials in the country continues unabated. Arguably, the nexus between the contractors and local government units and politicians is responsible for this. Once again, we call on the authorities to set up a parliamentary inquiry into the illegal extraction of river materials, review of existing regulations and for the company to provide compensation to the family.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death, Killing, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Right to life
- HRD
- Environmental rights defender
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Extractive industries
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 16, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 24, 2020
- Event Description
Lahan Municipality authority has been learnt to have decided to file a case against reporter Manilal Bishwakarma on August 24. Lahan lies in Province 2 of Nepal.
Talking to Freedom Forum, reporter Bishwakarma shared that he received a copy of municipality's executive committee meeting minutes three days back (September 29). The minute states the municipality had decided to file charge sheet under Electronic Transaction Act and public offense against him and a local Mahesh Chaudhary. The municipality had accused Chaudhary of distributing relief materials to the public without prior information to the municipality.
The decision came after his reporting on municipality's distribution of 'rotten raw foods as relief materials to the locals facing crisis' following lockdown to contain coronavirus pandemic. In the news published on April 14, he had also included photographs of the locals who had reached the ward office to return the distributed decayed food stuffs.
Reporter Bishwakarma further said that he was also issued several threats through social media pages and the municipality’s authorities following the publication of the news. He however said, “I am ready to face whatever the consequences but I will not stop writing on such serious of govenrment irresponsibility and irregularities.”
Freedom Forum is alarmed over the decision of the local authority against journalist. While most of the people lost their earning in this pandemic, government’s relief is the major support to live. But such irresponsible behaviour of the local government towards its citizens and to the journalist is condemnable.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to correct the decision respecting journalists’ right to free reporting and cooperate with those for good governance at this time of crisis instead.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to information
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 7, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 5, 2020
- Event Description
Saptari based reporter for the Kantipur national daily Abadhesh Kumar Jha was misbehaved by a police officer while reporting on October 5. Saptari district lies in Province-2 of Nepal.
FF’s representative at Province-2 Rajan Singh reported that Jha was making notes about a discussion among women representatives, advocates and chief of police at the district police office. Women leaders had reached the office to make aware police chief Rajendra Prasad Dhamala and draw attention of security authority on increasing violence against women in the district in the recent days.
Police chief Dhamala warned that journalist Jha could not report in the district police office without police permission and ordered him (Jha) to leave the office immediately.
Freedom Forum has serious concern over the statement of police chief for it severely violates press freedom and citizens' right to information. The journalists have every right to report on the issues of public concern. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect rights of journalists and press freedom.
It is appalling that violence against women as rape and murder are rising rapidly across the country of late.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Women's rights
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 7, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 25, 2020
- Event Description
Correspondent at Mithilanchal FM Rakesh Sah was threatened for reporting from quarantine in Dhanusha on August 25. Dhanusha lies in Province 2 of Nepal.
Reporter Sah was diagnosed positive for COVID 19 on August 18, since then, he has been staying in quarantine established by Province Governement in the local municipality.
According to FF's representative Rajan Singh, reporter Sah has been making aware the people on poor management in the quarantine through facebook live and his social media page. He has made public the poor quality of food served to the infected ones and negligence of media persons in monitoring health status of people staying in quarantine.
Following this, security officers on duty in the quarantine threatened him to stay quiet or else they would take action against him, informed representative Singh.
Threatening and silencing journalists who perform their job is sheer violation of press freedom and right to freedom of expression. FF condemns such behavior of security officials. While journalists are always reporting from the frontline even during this pandemic to disclose irregularities, intimidating those working even after being infected is intolerable. Hence, FF urges the authority to cooperate with those ensuring fair reporting atmosphere and citizen's right to information.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Censorship, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Online, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to information
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 31, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 28, 2020
- Event Description
A businessman involved in sand mining threatened editor of ramropost.com, (an online news portal) Kailash Lama through social media posts over his reporting on August 29 in Dolakha. Dolakha lies in Bagmati Province of Nepal.
According to FF's representative Ashok Dahal, journalist Lama has been continuously exposing illegal sand and pebble mining at Tamakoshi river in his reporting at Sagarmatha Television and ramropost.com online.
"On Friday (August 28) night too, following his reporting, the police arrested some individuals involved in the illegal mining. Then, the irked racketer Rajib Shrestha resorted to defamation, threat, and hate speech against Lama on his social media post," added Lama.
Talking to Dahal, Lama said that he had been facing threat from the racketeers for long after his reporting drew attention of the authorities about illegal sand mining.
"He didn't take it seriously before. But crushing industry operator Shrestha posted several posts against Lama on his Facebook spreading rumors about his professional integrity and hatred", said Dahal quoting Lama.
Also, editor Lama has filed a complaint at District Administration Office (DAO) on Sunday seeking justice and punishment against Shrestha at the earliest
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. Exposing irregularities and wrongdoings in the society is the job of journalists. Threatening and defaming those for doing their job is the sheer violation of press freedom. Hence, FF urges the concerned authority to look after the journalist's complaint and ensure security to the journalists. Also, the businessman could seek a legitimate way for any dissatisfaction over news published instead of harassing the journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Online Attack and Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Extractive industries
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 31, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 29, 2020
- Event Description
Umesh Dube, a prominent investigative journalist who has earned his reputation for writing about corruption and malpractices has been arrested for allegedly "disturbing social peace and harmony" on 29th July, 2020. Bureau Chief of TV Today Television HD (https://bit.ly/3fn57Fm) and reporter at Sagarmatha National Television, Journalist Dube holds many caps on the journalism arena. He was arrested by District Police Office of Parsa district. Parsa lies in province 2.
As per Freedom Forum's representative for Province 2, Rajan Singh, "The dispute stated when the police made an issue warning Dube to not walk on the main road". Singh says, there is no law which prohibits anybody to walk on any road. Dube informed Singh that he was wearing a press jacket and had press card at that time. Later the same day, when Dubey posted a Facebook status saying that police's wrongdoings are not hidden from public's eye, he was arrested late in the evening.
According to DSP Manojit Kunwar, after holding him for two days, his custody is extended for 10 days as a court case against him has just been registered. They have claimed that they possess evidence where Dube has demanded money from people misusing police's name. Bijaya Kuswaha, a local journalist informed FF that the District Police Office, Parsa has the history of fabricating facts with the intention of revenge on those who speaks against the authorities. In the past, several other journalists were called out and were forced to sign papers accepting that they will not write or talk against the authorities. Journalist Dubey frequently published news regarding security officials' involvement on boarder smuggling and corruption.
Journalist Kushwaha Dube's investigative stories were the reason behind such troubles.
The action taken by the police against Dube is one of many examples where journalists are troubled by taking false legal courses in Nepal. Such action in the present has become day to day phenomenon to stop the journalists from involving in investigative reporting on the critical issues of the administration. FF demands immediate release of Dube as 10 days is the maximum amount of detention period given the nature of the case. As he has been investigated since 2 days, unfair extension infact seems like a way of teaching lesson to deter journalists from writing about the police. FF urges police to stop fabricating the facts immediately and respect the notion of free press.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Denial Fair Trial, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Online, Right to fair trial, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 4, 2020
- Event Description
On 4 July 2020, woman human rights defender Bidya Shrestha Maharjan was physicallyassaulted by police officials while participating in a peaceful protest against the government�sacquisition of indigenous farm land for the building of the Expressway motorway in Khokana. Bidya Shrestha Maharjan is a teacher and human rights defender from the Kathmandu valley ofNepal. She is the women�s president of the World Newa Guthi, an indigenous communityorganization that works to protect the rights of the Newa Guthi people. An indigenous womanherself, Bidya Shrestha Maharjan has long been leading the movement to stop the illegal roadexpansion in the valley inhabited by the Newa Guthi people, which has already seen thedisplacement of thousands who have not been compensated and/or have been left landless. On 4 July 2020, Bidya Shrestha Maharjan, along with fellow activists and farmers of the indigenousNewa community from the Kathmandu valley gathered in Khokana to peacefully protest against theacquisition of land owned by indigenous Newa people. The land has been acquired for theconstruction of the proposed Expressway motorway, despite objections by the Indigenous Newa aswell as other local communities, due to concern that such mega projects will displace the entirecommunity. They have demanded that large scale projects such as the proposed motorway berelocated to more suitable locations.The peaceful protest turned violent when the armed police force intervened, lobbing tear gas shellsand charging at the crowd with batons, leaving dozens of protestors and police personnel injured.Bidya Shrestha Maharjan was beaten by armed personnel and later taken to hospital for theinjuries she incurred. Front Line Defenders is concerned by the physical attack and intimidation of woman human rightsdefender Bidya Shrestha Maharjan by police officials, as it believes this was solely due to herlegitimate and peaceful work in defence of human rights and exercising her right to peacefullyassemble.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Indigenous peoples' rights defender, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 2, 2020
- Event Description
Journalist Aash Gurung was attacked over news by Ward Chair Govinda Basnet on July2, 2020. Basnet is the Ward Chair of besisahar municipality ward number 7 of Lamjung. Lamjung lies in Gandaki Province.
Journalist Gurung is associated with Kantipur Television.
According to the Freedom Forum representative for Gandaki Province, Rajan Upadhyay, journalist Gurung was attacked over news which was about the misuse of agricultural grants. Gurung had mentioned in the news that those who had access were receiving grants without fulfilling grants criteria. He had also highlighted that one who should recommend grants were themselves misusing the grants.
On the other side, Ward Chair Basnet claimed that he had not attacked journalists instead he had suggested him to research before writing stories.
Meanwhile, journalist Gurung was criticized and threatened through social media by cadres of the political parties over the news related to misuse of grants.
FF condemns the incident as it has posed threat to journalists' right to free reporting. Threat to journalist Gurung over news also created a fearful atmosphere to other fellow journalists who are determined to do investigative reporting. Hence,FF urges concerned authority to take action and ensure fear free environment for journlaists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Online Attack and Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 10, 2020
- Event Description
News chief at www.tukhabar.com (an online web-based portal) Balaram Pudasaini was misbehaved by a local Ramesh Gelal for reporting news on June 9 in Makwanpur district. The district lies in Bagmati Province of Nepal.
According to Freedom Forum's representative Rammani Dahal, journalist was reporting on difficulties farmers had to face while buying fertilizers in a place at Hetauda. In the meantime, Gelal pushed him back and verbally abused him without any reason in the presence of police officers.
Later, Police arrested Gelal and has charged him under indecent behavior following the complaint filed by journalist Pudasaini and other fellow journalists.
Freedom Forum condemns the misbehavior meted out to on-duty journalist. It is gross violation of press freedom and right to information. Abusing on-duty journalists who are working on field to make public informed about the social issues, even ignoring the possible risks of transmission of COVID19 is deplorable. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to punish the perpetrator and ensure free and safe reporting atmosphere for journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 9, 2020
- Event Description
A peaceful programme in the Capital protesting the government's lacklustre response to the Covid-19 pandemic was met with water cannons and police batons.
Around 150 people had gathered in front of the prime minister's residence in Baluwatar at 10am on Tuesday, demanding that the government improve quarantine conditions and make wider use of the Polymerase Chain Reaction tests. They were also asking that the government come up with alternatives to the blanket lockdown imposed on the entire country since March 24.
The KP Sharma Oli government has long been criticised for its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite an over two-month-long lockdown, coronavirus infections--and deaths-- continue to increase across the country. Thousands of people are in makeshift quarantine facilities that are themselves becoming hotspots for Covid-19 due to cramped conditions and a lack of basic sanitation facilities.
Calls to lift or ease the lockdown have increased too, with business owners defying orders to shutter their stores last Thursday. Many have also raised serious questions about the government�s failure to address the plight of the poor and the marginalised, who are suffering disproportionately from the lockdown after having lost jobs. There have already been a number of deaths that can attributed to the lockdown and its consequences.
The protest attempted to maintain physical distance with most attendees wearing masks and holding placards.
Though the protest was peaceful, police employed water cannons and batons to disperse the protesters. Some were taken into custody for breaking the lockdown.
�We had requested the police to give us 15 more minutes to sit in protest when the police charged," said Rohit Malla Shakya, 43, a businessman. "This is an indication that the government is getting more intolerant."
As images and videos of the protest and the police response began to circulate on social media, many called the police out for its disproportionate use of force.
�What a disgrace! This happened today during a peaceful socially distanced rally (at Baluwatar) urging the government to ramp up PCR tests and improve quarantine facilities,� said one user on Twitter. �Looks like the government cannot tolerate any form of protest that displays their incompetence.�
Senior Superintendent Shyam Gyawali, chief of the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Range, said that police used force to clear protesters who were disobeying lockdown orders.
�Besides, Baluwatar is a sensitive area and protests started to block the road that many VVIPs need to travel through,� Gyawali told the Post.
Protest attendees, however, said that they weren't blocking the road and were about to wrap up the protest when police resorted to a baton charge and water cannons.
�We were not blocking the road, and it was very peaceful,� said 21-year-old actor Anna Sharma.
Eight people were taken into custody by the police.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Freedom of assembly, Freedom of movement, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 20, 2020
- Event Description
Freedom Forum condemns the arrest of Alam Khan, a human rights activist and a member of the Federation of Nepali Journalists. He was held for writing on Facebook about the ill administration owing to the death of a person due to Covid-19 on the 20th of May, 2020. He was arrested in Banke, Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj lies in province no. 5.
According to FF's representative of province n. 5 Sudip Gautam, Alam's arrest was done by District Police Office in Nepalgunj. He was kept at the district police office for the whole day before releasing him on the condition that he appears in the police office on a daily basis. On his Facebook status, Alam also wrote that the dead person should be declared a Martyr and be compensated indicating that the mismanagement of administration caused the death.
Upon inquiry, Alam said even though no one had lodged a complaint against him, the police had arrested him.
Since the day of the arrest, Alam has been present at the Police Office on Thursday and has been told to be present every day.
Freedom Forum strongly criticizes the misuse of power by the police who have been troubling the activist who writes and advocates about the mismanagement around the COVID-19 situation. While in fact the authorities should be coordinating and collaborating with the activists inorder to enforce positive changes in the community and utilize their community reach, on the contrary, police have been unnecessarily targeting these activists to silence them. Freedom Forum urges the police headquarter to monitor the misuse of power in the local level and enforce ethical practice within the police offices. FF also urges the police offices to be mindful and respect the Free Speech which every Nepali citizen is constitutionally entitled to.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Online, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 13, 2020
- Event Description
A hospital staff issued death threat to Journalist Shital Sah, director at Radio Janakpur on May 13 in Dhanusha. Dhanusha lies in Province 2 of Nepal.
As per information provided by FF's representative Rajan Singh, Journalist Sah had broadcasted news about negligence and irregularities at COVID-19 testing lab in Janakpur Provincial hospital. Following this, hospital's junior staff Jugal Yadav and his two friends reached radio station and threatened the journalist to death for reporting the news.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is sheer violation of press freedom. Reporting news about irregularities and issues of public concern is the right of journalists secured by Nepal's constitution. FF strongly urges the hospital authority to adopt legitimate way for any dissatisfaction on news and respect journalists' rights thereby, ensuring citizen's access to right to information.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 5, 2020
- Event Description
Security officials misbehaved journalist Prem Nepali while reporting on May 5 in Kaski. Kaski lies in Gandaki Province.
Journalist Nepali is associated with Hour Tv.
According to Freedom Forum's representative for Gandaki Province, Rajan Upadhyaye, journalist Nepali was reporting about complaint filed on ethnic discrimination at District Police Office, Kaski. A group of dalit representative along with Mohan Sunar who filed complaint were at office to know about the status of complaint, but they were misbahved by the police. While capturing footage of misbehavior to Dalit representatives journalist Nepali was also treated badly and Police Inspector snatched journalist's camera.
Moreover, Inspector Deepak KC aggressively responded to journalist who said that it is not allowed to capture footage without the consent of police.
Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent of Police Dan Bahadur Karki claimed that complaint filed on ethnic discrimination is under investigation and journalist was not treated badly while inquiring about the case.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is a gross violation of press freedom and right to information. Reporting on social issues and exposing exposing irregularities is the prior duty of journalists. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to address the issue seriously respecting the rights of journalists and citizen�s right to information.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 27, 2020
- Event Description
Govinda KC, Dailekh correspondent to Nagarik National Daily was verbally abused and threatened of attack for reporting on April 27. Dailekh is situated in Karnali Province of Nepal.
FF's representative Laxmi Bhandari reported that reporter KC was threatened by a canteen owner Chhatra Thapa for writing news about irregularities of Narayan Municipality, Dailekh. The news entitled- irregularities on purchase of relief materials- was published on Nagarik daily on April 22.
Following news publication, municipality's canteen owner Thapa abused reporter KC at public place saying why and at what expense the news report was made.
Representative Bhandari further stated that Thapa had even called goons to attack the reporter. However, police took Thapa under control later.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is violation of press freedom and lauds police action to arrest the accused. Despite the availability of legitimate ways to express dissatisfaction over published news contents, local authority's action to harass journalist is deplorable. Hence, FF urges the concerned authority to resort lawful ways and respect journalists right to free reporting.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 18, 2020
- Event Description
Journalists Manoj Mourbait and Sibendra Rohita were attacked on April 18 (Friday) at 8 PM on Kohalpur of Sahitnagar Municipality-9, Dhanusha. The duo journalists were assaulted by a gang of five on their way home from reporting about the COVID-19. Their laptop and camera were also seized. Dhanusha district lies in province no. 2.
Mourbait and Rohita are reporters to Janakpur Today and www.khojkendra.com (a web-based news portal) operated from Dhanusha district.
According to FF's representative Rajan Singh, a group of five people beat the duo which resulted in a deep cut in the head of journalist Rohita. Maurbait has also sustained injury due to the beating. Furthermore, they pointed towards Mayor Udaya Barbariya of Sahidnagar municipality who ordered such an attack. The duo has been admitted in Janakpur Zonal Hospital.
Rohita said, "On Friday we were making a report about the Quarantine facility of Sahid Nagar. These facilities are in a worrisome state with no proper service in place." To learn about the municipality's position on this issue, they visited the municipality office. Shortly after that, he ordered to launch an attack.
In the past too, the mayor Barbariya had threatened the Journalist Mourbait for writing news against his administration. The duo had been disclosing about the mismanagement of funds by the Barbariya's administration.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 16, 2020
- Event Description
Reporter to Annapurna Post national daily Raj Karan Mahato and the camera person Bibek Mahato were threatened while reporting on illegal mining in Mahottari on April 16. Mahottari lies in Province 2.
Freedom Forum's representative Rajan Singh reported that the reporters were taking videos and pictures of illegal excavation in a local river during lockdown. In the meantime, four people arrived on their motorbikes and chased away the reporters.
There reporters however escaped the attack and called local police for protection. A team led by Police Inspector Prakash Regmi reached the place to protect reporters.
Freedom Forum condemns the attempt to attack reporters. Journalists reporting on corruption and illegal activities always face intimidation. Such incidents are representative cases of press freedom violation which create panic among working journalists and induce censorship. Hence, FF strongly urges the local authority and security body to ensure safety to the journalists thereby, helping protect press freedom rights.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Extractive industries
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 14, 2020
- Event Description
Simara Police Office arrested journalist Rabindra Gautam for alleged spread of misleading information via his Facebook handle. He was held under cybercrime charge in Hetauda on April 14. Hetauda lies in Province 3.
Journalist Gautam is associated with Sarobar F.M.
As per Freedom Forum representative for Province 3, Rammani Dahal, journalist Gautam was arrested for allegedly posting fake information on Facebook status which simply stated: "Three Indian nationalities are detected with the Coronavirus infections in Birgunj Metropolitan City of Parsa district. The districts such as Parsa, Bara, Rautahat among others should adopt high precautionary measures. There is no reason to worry. The districts of the Terai region are safe. Let's not be terrorized instead follow the government's decision.''
Although the journalist posted information urging for precaution on the coronavirus, the police wrongfully held him and harassed unnecessarily.
A day later, after the pressure from media persons and FoE organizations that journalist had not spread misinformation, the police released him with Rs. 2000 as bail amount a day later.
Freedom Forum condemns the arrest of journo Gautam as it is a severe violation of freedom of expression. Nepal�s constitution itself guarantees the right to freedom of expression. Journo must not be treated as a criminal for posting an opinion on social media platforms.
FF urges the concerned authority to respect civil rights and demands the immediate release of Gautam.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Online, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 5, 2020
- Event Description
Publisher/ editor of a news portal, www.prabhavnews.com, Uttam Chaulagain was issued death threat for publishing news about a political leader on April 5. The online portal is run from Khotang, a district in Province 1 of Nepal.
According to FF's representative Bikram Niraula, Chaulagain had published news about NC Chair Naresh Kumar Shrestha's obstruction to keep Covid-19 suspects in quarantine far away from community.
Following this, Chair Shrestha had threatened, "You will see the journalist in the next meeting. You may also lose his life for writing such news."
In response to Covid-19 pandemic, Nepal's government has asked the suspected patients to stay in quarantine to minimize the risk of transmission.
At a time when free flow of information is important to keep public informed such incidents obstruct journalists from performing their duty. Freedom Forum condemns the violation of press freedom and right to information.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Online, Right to information
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 25, 2020
- Event Description
Ajayababu Shiwakoti, the general secretary of the Nepal Press Union (NPU), received threats for his reporting on an alleged bribery scandal involving Nepal’s minister of communications and information technology. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates the Nepal Press Union (NPU) and the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FJN) call on authorities to immediately ensure Shiwakoti’s safety.
Shiwakoti is the editor in chief of www.hamrakura.com, which published a story on February 20, linking an audio recording alleged to be that of the minister, Gokul Prasad Baskota, negotiating with Bijay Prakash Mishra, a Nepal agent of a Swiss equipment supplier on the printing of passports and other sensitive material. The recording suggested the minister would receive NPR 700,000,000 (USD 6,000,000) commission for the deal. Following the release of the two-and-a-half-minute audio recording and subsequent news coverage, the minister resigned from his post on February 21.
After Shiwakoti’s reporting on the ministerial scandal, NPU said unidentified persons had put the journalist’s residence and his activities under surveillance. The journalist also said he received indirect threats from social media and, as a result, was “cautious” and “semi-underground”.
Shiwakoti previously received threats on September 30, 2019, after publishing a reportalleging a female member of the parliamentary staff was sexually harassed by the then house-speaker, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who later resigned from his post.
Journalists in Nepal express serious concern to the security situation of Shiwakoti.
NPU said: “Such a threat to an investigative journalist who is committed to make the authorities accountable is really pathetic. We demand the government of Nepal and concerned stakeholders to ensure constitutionally-enshrined press freedoms and urge it to create a more conducive environment for the practice of independent journalism.”
The IFJ said: “We urge threats to Shiwakoti to be taken with the seriousness they deserve and for a response from Nepal’s government to underline its commitment to press freedom and to show the necessary support for protecting journalists in Nepal.”
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Online Attack and Harassment, Surveillance
- Rights Concerned
- Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Suspected non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 4, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 27, 2020
- Event Description
Police arrested 12 senior human rights activists and members of civil society from outside Shital Niwas while they were staging protest against election of murder-accused Agni Prasad Sapkota for the post of speaker of the House of Representatives.
The activists were arrested before Sapkota took the oath of office and secrecy from President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.
The arrested are: Mahamuniswar Acharya, Purnimaya Lama, Janak Raut, Alina Gautama, Nirajan Thapaliya, Bipin Budhathoki, Sankar Budathoki, Bal Krishna Ghimire, Jesselina Rana, Prasanta Tripathi, Rajan Kuikel and Charan Prasai. All the arrestees were released in the evening.
Activists had been staging protest against the Nepal Communist Party (NCP)’s decision to nominate murder-accused Sapkota for the post of speaker, for the last six days. Sapkota was elected speaker of the HoR unopposed yesterday.
Activists during today’s protest programme displayed placards that read, ‘End Impunity’, ‘Respect Rule of Law’ and ‘Respect Human Rights’.
Among the activists arrested today was Purnimaya Lama, who had accused speaker Sapkota and six others of murdering her husband Arjun Lama in August 2005, during the conflict era in Kavre district. Sapkota’s case is sub judice at the Supreme Court.
Human rights activist Charan Prasai said their protest and legal fight to establish truth would not stop. “We will continue our fight for justice seeking support from international communities,” Prasai said.
- Impact of Event
- 12
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community), Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of association, Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- NGO staff, Pro-democracy defender, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 4, 2020
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 25, 2019
- Event Description
Editor of Rekhdekh Weekly and Treasurer of Federation of Nepalese Journalist (FNJ) Prabir Dadel, 30, a resident of Musikot Municipality-13 has accused Ward Chairperson Dipak KC, 37, of threatening him on October 25.
Dadel accused KC of attempting to manhandle him in connection with a news report published about corruption in Rekhdekh Weekly. KC threatened the journalist after his name was also mentioned in the report about the corruption. Dadel has filed an oral complaint against KC at District Police Office and District Administration Office.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 4, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 9, 2019
- Event Description
Journalists were protesting against the sacking of three journalists from Radio Nepal in Doti on Monday. Radio Nepal is the government-owned radio. The three journalists were sacked without any prior notice or administrative work.
NPU and FNJ were demanding the reinstatement of the journalists’ jobs during the protests. At 2pm nine union leaders, including Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti, NPU general secretary, Ram Prasad Dahal, FNJ secretary, Janmadev Jaisi, Yam Birahi, Min Bam, FNJ central committee, Dilip Paudel, NPU central committee, Chakra Kuwar, NPU Doti Branch Vice President, Yogendra Balayar, FNJ Doti Branch President and Prakash Bam, NPU Doti Branch President were arrested. They were detained for three hours, and released at 5pm.
NPU general secretary Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti said: “NPU condems the removal of three journalists from Doti from their job and demands their immediate restoration into their job. We also demand that government create an environment that is conducive to the freedom of expression, a guaranteed provision in the constitution.
Government is dealing harshly with the working journalists so that they do not feel safe to report against the government independently. Latest detentions of journalists show the intention of the government toward journalists and journalism in Nepal.”
The IFJ said: “The arrest of nine union leaders and journalists for simply protesting the sacking of their colleagues is a deplorable act by Nepali authorities and threatens press freedom and right to association in the country. Journalists in Nepal are working in a volatile environment where they do not feel safe to report. This kind of environment only weakens press freedom and ultimately Nepal’s democracy.”
Update on September 23, 2019:
Federation of Nepali journalist (FNJ), Central Committee has picketed all the broadcasting stations of Radio Nepal in all seven provinces, demanding the reinstatement of the working journalist removed from Radio Nepal Deepayal broadcasting centre. At Kathmandu, Bipul Pokhrel, Vice president of FNJ led the protest. The FNJ has warned the government that it will continue agitating broadcast stations until journalists are reinstated. The government is taking away the job of journalists on the basis of political faith.
Addressing the protest, Vice President Pokhrel warned the government not to play down FNJ. He said "journalists were fired from the job, and that this act confirmed that the administration and executive director of Radio Nepal were irresponsible.” He said that the expelled journalists should be immediately reinstated, adding that the FNJ would be forced to embark on a more powerful movement.
FNJ General Secretary Ramesh Bista urged the Minister of Communication and Information Technology Gokul Baskota, who himself was a journalist in the past, to remember that 'we had struggled together'. He warned that the FNJ would go against it if the government moved in a non-democratic manner.
The FNJ has been protesting for reinstatement of Sunita Rawal, Prakash Bam and Chakra Kunwar, who were fired by Radio Broadcasting Development Committee last August. Representatives of different media organizations and a significant number of journalists participated in the program. Central members of FNJ led the protests outside Kathmandu.
- Impact of Event
- 9
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Labour rights, Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Armed forces/ Military, Government, Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 3, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 9, 2019
- Event Description
Police on Monday arrested more than a dozen Women's Rights Activists who picketed the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nepal. The women's rights activists picketed the Embassy saying that hundreds of Nepali women were being sold as wives in China.
Women's Rights Activist Sita Jyoti said they picketed the Embassy to draw the attention of the Chinese foreign minister who is currently on a visit to Nepal towards this problem.
- Impact of Event
- 12
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to Protest, Women's rights
- HRD
- SOGI rights defender, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 2, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 8, 2014
- Event Description
Human Rights Watch - The Nepal authorities should immediately withdraw sedition charges and unconditionally release rights campaigner Chandra Kant Raut, who was arrested for his expression of peaceful political opinions. Nepal should amend its practices to comply with international and domestic standards to protect freedom of expression. Raut was arrested on September 14, 2014, for allegedly advocating that the southern plains of Nepal, known as the Terai, be allowed to secede from the rest of the country as part of a long-standing debate on state restructuring. On October 8 he was charged with sedition, presumably under the Crime against State and Punishment Act 1989, which forbids any "attempts to cause any disorder with an intention to jeopardise sovereignty, integrity or national unity of Nepal." It carries a penalty of life imprisonment. Police also said that Raut has written articles and books advocating secession by Madhesis, the Terai community. There is no evidence that Raut advocated the use of violence, or that his actions led to violence. "Many Nepalis have recently struggled to break out of feudal structures and ensure democratic rights," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of a good democracy. But the government is going after an activist expressing concerns about marginalized communities from the Terai." Nepali politicians have long been drawn largely from the upper-caste hill tribes. Following the ceasefire agreement of 2006 after a 10-year civil war, the country embarked on a constitution-writing process which promised inclusion for traditionally marginalized communities, including from the Terai. Central to the promise of inclusion was the pledge to re-draw the state to create provinces or regions without giving dominance to the upper-caste hill tribes. However, the constitution remains in limbo as political parties have failed to come to a consensus. The debate has been filled with anxiety that the Terai, which runs east to west along Nepal's porous border with India and is a critical transit for trade in the land-locked country, will seek greater autonomy. Raut, formerly a US resident, returned to Nepal in 2011, and leads a group that seeks to establish an independent Madhesh in the area. "Raut's call for an independent Terai has to be understood in the historical and political context in which the discussion on state restructuring is occurring," said Adams. "His arrest threatens the chances of a robust debate on federalism, and undermines the promise of inclusion. Raut's arrest shows that minority voices can and will be easily sidelined." Nepal is a state party signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to free expression. Any limits placed on free expression must be set out clearly in domestic law, be nondiscriminatory in impact and must be strictly necessary for national security or public order. The authorities have not produced any evidence that Raut's peaceful call for an independent Terai was a threat to national security or public order that could justify his arrest. "Instead of releasing Raut for lack of a genuine threat, the authorities decided to justify their arrest by slapping sedition laws against him, nearly a month later," said Adams. "Such laws are typically used by repressive regimes to control critical speech, and it appears that Nepal has decided to go down this unseemly route."
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Minority Rights
- HRD
- Minority rights defender
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 31, 2013
- Event Description
13/06/2013 Joint Urgent Appeal by the the Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice; the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; and the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences. We would like to draw the attention of your Excellency's Government to information we have received regarding the violent dispersal by law enforcement authorities of peaceful demonstrations organized by Kamlari activists, with a view to ensuring accountability for the killing of a 12-year old Kamlari girl in Dang in March 2013, and protesting more generally against the Kamaiya traditional system of bonded labour in place in several parts of Nepal. According to the information received: From 31 May to 2 June 2013, around 60 freed Kamlaris were reportedly holding a peaceful sit-in protest in front of the southern gate of the Singh Durbar, the Chief Administrative Center in Kathmandu, when they were violently dispersed by the police. According to reports, police officers beat the protestors with batons, punched and kicked them, causing serious injuries to their heads, arms, and shoulders. 10 protestors reportedly fell unconscious, and 8 sustained minor injuries who were treated in different hospitals. It is further reported that 8 female protestors were sexually assaulted by police forces who beat them on their breasts and genitals. 42 protestors were arrested in the course of the police operation, and released after five hours . It is also reported that some police officers stole money and jewelries from the protestors. On 3 June 2013, police forces brutally dispersed a peaceful protest by Kamlari activists in Dang. Four activists lost consciousness, and others were severely injured. On 4 June 2013, three and six Kamlari protestors were reportedly injured by the police in Kailai and Kanchanpur respectively when the police dispersed peaceful demonstrations in which they were taking part. 50 protestors were arrested in Kanchanpur, and subsequently released in the evening. Grave concerns are expressed that the excessive use of force against, and the arrest and detention of, peaceful Kamlari protestors may be linked to their legitimate human rights activities, in the exercise of their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of opinion and expression. Further concerns are expressed for the physical and psychological integrity of Kamlari activists, in particular women defenders, who continue protesting throughout the country.
- Impact of Event
- 50
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Women's rights
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Event Description
Efforts by the BDS to gain approval for the renewal of its registration from the Kathmandu District Administrative Office, in particular the Chief District Officer, have been met with delays and continuous refusal over a protracted period It is reported that the Chief District Officer has so far raised two grounds on which to base his refusal to renew the organisation?s registration, namely:-a claim that the organisation?s Director, Mr. Sunil Babu Pant, had received a double salary, both as Director of the BDS and as a member of the Nepal Constituent Assembly. Reportedly, however, Mr. Pant has already returned the salary he received as a member of the Constituent Assembly; -a claim that a property belonging to the organisation had been registered in Mr. Pant?s name. Sources inform, however, that this was motivated by frequent difficulties experienced when registering properties in the name of organisations and that Mr. Pant had already signed an agreement with the BDS waiving any claims on the property. It is further reported that he is currently in the process of transferring ownership of the property in the organisation?s name. Although all documents needed to renew registration, including financial reports and progress reports, have been reportedly duly submitted by the BDS, no progress has been made on renewal of the registration. This has reportedly prompted the BDS to file a case in an appellate court. It is reported that as a consequence of the delays in renewing the registration, the organisation has been forced to start closing down all its operations, including the provision of essential care, support and treatment to individuals suffering from HIV.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association, SOGI rights
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 20, 2013
- Event Description
The weekly magazine Lal Rakshak allegedly published an article containing various allegations against Ms. Sharma, Mr. Subodh Pyakhurel and Mr. Dixit, naming them as hostile to the Maoist political agenda and the peace process, as well as accusing them of crimes including corruption, labour exploitation and sexual violence. The article reportedly also mentioned Messrs. Sushil Pyakhurel, Charan Prasai and Kapil Shrestha. It is alleged that the Lal Rakshak article also contained a paragraph outlining the result of a survey the magazine had undertaken on what ought to be done about the persons named in the article. Reportedly, this included quotes by representatives stating that legal action against Ms. Sharma, Mr. Subodh Pyakhurel and Mr. Dixit would be fruitless due to their access to foreign funds, and that "people?s action" should be taken against them. "People?s action" in this context is understood to refer to punishment through violent attacks. It was allegedly used with this meaning during the violent conflict in Nepal during the 1990s and 2000s. Similar articles were allegedly printed in a number of local newspapers, including the 21 January 2013 edition of Gandaki Awaj (published in Pokhara), the 22 January 2013 edition of Taja Khabar (published in Rupandehi), and the online news portal Onlinekhabar. It is also alleged that calls for "people?s action" were repeatedly made on FMradio stations across Nepal against the above-mentioned members of AWC. Sources further inform that in an interview with Krishnasenonline, a Maoist-affiliated news portal, a spokesperson for the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN (Maoist) mentioned NGOs "who prefer dollars to the nation" and who had "called imperialist Britain to have Colonel Kumar Lama arrested" in exchange for dollars. The spokesperson allegedly made explicit mention of Ms. Sharma and the Advocacy Forum as having sent information to the British and so gotten Colonel Kumar Lama arrested. Reports have also been received of alleged harassment of Ms. Sharma and Advocacy Forum-Nepal. It is alleged that on 14 February 2013, Ms. Sharma received a warning from a government official that she should be careful, implying that the army might hinder Advocacy Forum?s work. In addition to this, Advocacy Forum reportedly received a letter from the District Administration Office soon after the arrest of Colonel Lama stating that an investigation would be undertaken against the organisation. Reportedly, a physical attack against Mr. Yadav Prasad Bastola took place on 28 February 2013, around 19:30, as he was walking back from Birendranagar to Vidhyapur Village Development Committee (VDC) -04, in Surkhet district, where he resides. Sources inform that as Mr. Bastola was walking through the jungle along this route, he noticed four unidentified persons following him, with covered faces.Two of the persons then reportedly blocked his way and proceeded to ask him whether he had written an article for the local newspaper ___Pahichen Daily?,consequently accusing him of "trying to send the Maoists to jail". It is alleged that the four persons were then joined by two other unidentified persons. They allegedly grabbed Mr. Bastola?s hand and neck and proceeded to beat his back with iron rods multiple times. Mr. Bastola reportedly fell to the ground while the beating with the iron rods continued and the assailants started to kick him with their boots. It is reported the assailants fled when two motorcycles approached the scene, allowing Mr. Bastola to escape. Sources inform that Mr. Bastola was helped by villagers and police in a nearby village and was consequently taken in a police van to the local hospital and later to Deuti Nursing Home for treatment. He was reportedly discharged the next day. It is reported that Mr. Bastola filed a First Information Report of the event on 1 March 2013 at the District Police Office in Surkhet. It is reported the police is still conducting an investigation.
- Impact of Event
- 7
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication, Vilification, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 30, 2019
- Event Description
At least 32 Nepalese human rights activists, including nine women, were arrested on Wednesday in Kathmandu for staging anti-government protests. The protest was organised by the Human Rights and Peace Society, Nepal demanding the resignation of Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Rabindra Adhikari for his alleged involvement in wide-body aircraft purchase corruption and fulfilment of demands of agitating senior surgeon Dr Govinda KC. According to a Parliamentary committee report, Rs. 4.5 billion loss was incurred while purchasing two airbuses for state-owned Nepal Airlines and Tourism Minister Adhikari had allegedly made a false statement on the issue in his explanation to the Parliamentary committee. Dr KC has been staging fast unto death for the past 20 days demanding sweeping reforms in the medical sector but the government last week passed a medical bill through a majority vote in the Parliament without addressing his demands. Those arrested include senior human rights activist Krishna Pahadi, president of the society Uttam Pudasaini, and central member Gita Timilsina. They were carrying placards with the slogans 'Address demands of agitating doctor KC', 'Take action against those involved in aircraft purchase deal', 'Sack Tourism Minister Adhikari.'
- Impact of Event
- 32
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Right to information, Right to Protest
- HRD
- WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 1, 2019
- Event Description
Seventeen persons were arrested by Nepal Police while staging protest in support of senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC and his demand to make improvements in the medical system. Resident doctors, MBBS students and interns of TUTH were arrested by police while they were moving towards Sital Niwas. They were released in the evening after Nepal Medical Association and doctors appealed to the government to release them. President of National Resident Doctors' Association Dr Sumit Pandey said, "Among those arrested, seven are residents doctors, four interns and six MBBS students," he said, adding, "Some of the doctors were to attend an emergency surgery today." In the same way, despite Nepal Medical Association's decision to halt all services, except emergency, the hospital provided services to patients. TUTH Director Dr Prem Krishna Khadga said the hospital provided regular health services to the patients. "Today only 1,405 patients received health services from the hospital. Yesterday, 1,397 patients had received services," he added. Meanwhile, issuing a press statement, the Ministry of Health and Population has warned that it would take action against doctors involved in the protest. On January 27, Nepal Medical Association had announced that it would stage relay hunger strike throughout the country demanding that the government meet Dr KC's demands related to medical education.
- Impact of Event
- 17
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Right to health
- HRD
- Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Nov 30, 2018
- Event Description
Police intervened in a peaceful protest seeking justice for Nirmala Panta and arrested 12 activists for pasting posters on utility poles in Maitighar today. The demonstrators were pasting posters featuring Nirmala, a 13-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in Kanchanpur district on July 26, demanding that the government bring to book the culprit(s). While the peaceful protest was under way, armed cops arrived and arrested activists, including eight women, at around 3:00pm. Police also confiscated and tore up the posters. The arrested protesters were forced into a police van and taken to Metropolitan Police Circle, Singha Durbar, before their release in the evening, said Pritam Subedi, one of the protesters. According to him, women cops roughed up two activists. "If the government can place posters with huge photos of the prime minister in Kathmandu, why are we not allowed to display Nirmala's images in a democracy where no one is above the law and everyone has the right to peaceful protest?" asked Subedi. Deputy Superintendent of Police Hobindra Bogati at Metropolitan Police Range, Teku, told THT that activists were released after "counselling'. He claimed that they pledged to shun protest programmes seeking justice for Nirmala. "We also briefed the protesters about police bid to lead the criminal investigation to a pragmatic end and arrest the culprit(s)," he said without elaborating on the progress the security agency had made in over four months since the heinous crime. DSP Bogati claimed that the activists posed a threat to security arrangements made for the Asia Pacific Summit being held in Kathmandu. Over 6,000 cops, both in uniform and civvies, have been deployed for "foolproof' security of foreign delegates. The police oppression sparked widespread criticism of the government on social networking sites. Bishodip took to Twitter to castigate the government and wrote, "Has the Constitution of Nepal allowed only the government to display its posters?" Syaandai, another twitteratti, posted, "Government, has the freedom of expression really ceased to exist? Can't we raise our voice for justice?" Lobangi Arajaktabadi tweeted, "Under which law the government displayed posters of the prime minister and obstructed citizens from putting up posters of Nirmala? Why such dadagiri?"
- Impact of Event
- 18
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Nov 30, 2018
- Event Description
The Nepal authorities must immediately and unconditionally release members and supporters of Amnesty International Nepal who were detained after protesting outside the Indian embassy this morning, Amnesty International said today. At least 30 people - including members of the board of Amnesty International Nepal, staff, and supporters - were detained while protesting against the Indian government's crackdown on civil society, including raids on the offices of Amnesty International India and attempts to shut down its campaigning in the country. "We demand that our colleagues are released immediately and unconditionally. The Nepal authorities have displayed the very same repressive tactics Amnesty International supporters were protesting against. They were there to express their solidarity with our colleagues in India and to call on the Indian government to end its crackdown on human rights. Violating their right to freedom of peaceful assembly, the Nepal authorities are showing that human rights are also at risk in Nepal," said Biraj Patnaik, South Asia Director at Amnesty International. Background The Amnesty International movement globally is calling on the Indian government to end its crackdown on human rights. On 25 October, Amnesty International India became the latest target of the government's assault on civil society when the organization's offices in Bengaluru were raided by the Enforcement Directorate, an agency that looks into financial crimes. Amnesty International India's bank accounts were frozen. Subsequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs also raided the Amnesty International India offices. Coming on the heels of similar actions against Greenpeace India earlier in October, heavy-handed methods are being used to further shrink civic space and stop the vital human rights and climate change campaigning work of the two organizations.
- Impact of Event
- 30
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly
- HRD
- NGO, NGO staff
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 1, 2018
- Event Description
Ram Manohar Yadav, a Free Madhes activist arrested in Gulariya, Bardiya 12 days ago for showing black flags to Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Upendra Yadav, died in police custody on Saturday morning. The incident came to light following a controversy surrounding his death. Yadav, a supporter of the movement led by CK Raut who was brought to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj for treatment, was admitted to the emergency ward of the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital at 2:15am, moments before he was pronounced dead. Deepak Paasi, Yadav's neighbour who accompanied Yadav in the ambulance along with two policemen and a medical officer, said he died on the way to Kathmandu. "When I touched him on the way, his body had turned cold already," said Paasi, a resident of Janaki Rural Municipality in Banke district. "I had asked the medical officer to see if Yadav was alive but the officer said he did not have[necessary] equipment. When we reached the hospital, they took him to the emergency ward. He was declared dead soon afterwards," Paasi told the Post. Yadav was detained on August 23, along with three other CK Raut supporters-Harpal Singh, Irfan Sheikh and Ranjit Ram Verma. After detaining them, the Bardiya District Police filed treason charges against all four in the Bardiya District Court. On the morning of August 30, Yadav had collapsed inside the cell. Police then admitted him to the Bardiya District Hospital in Gulariya, less than 200 metres away from the police station. According to Dr Supriya Paudyal, who was involved in his treatment, Yadav was referred to Bheri Zonal Hospital in Nepalgunj after he showed signs of paralysis. "He couldn't speak clearly when he was brought here. Considering that he could be paralysed any time and we lacked equipment, we referred the case to Nepalgunj hospital," said Dr Paudyal. Yadav was admitted to Nepalgunj Nursing Home as the zonal hospital had no facilities for intensive care. According to Dr Raman Kidavi, assistant director at the nursing home, Yadav was unconscious and had high fever when he was brought there. "We suggested taking him to Kathmandu for further treatment because his body temperature was 108F and he was lying unconscious," Dr Kidavi told the Post. Bardiya Police chief SP Surendra Mainali said Yadav was sent to Kathmandu shortly afterwards on an ambulance with supplementary oxygen. According to SP Mainali, Yadav died in Maharajgunj on Saturday morning. Alliance for Independent Madhes Spokesperson Abdul Khan claimed that Yadav died en route to the Capital, blaming police negligence for the death. "He had high blood pressure, which got worse in custody due to mental harassment. Before collapsing at the police station, he had asked for medicine for headache but no one gave it to him. He was taken to hospital more than an hour after he had collapsed," Khan told the Post, adding that the police had not allowed anyone to meet them. SP Mainali dismissed allegations that visitors were barred from meeting the detainees. Yadav's death has stirred up a controversy. Human rights activists and civil society members have slammed the government over the death in detention, calling it an act of extra-judicial killing. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into the death and the condition of other detainees. A group of activists also submitted a memorandum to NHRC Chairperson Anup Raj Sharma seeking independent investigation into the matter, punishment for the guilty and compensation for the victim's family. The NHRC asked the government to guarantee the right to life by ensuring immediate medical examination of detainees and arranging for effective medical treatment if they fall sick in custody.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death, Killing, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Right to health, Right to life
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 12, 2018
- Event Description
KATHMANDU, Sept 12: Police have arrested a journalist on charge of character assassination after he posted a news report on an online platform. Editor of the vernacular Khojtalas Weekly and Khojtalasa.com Raju Basnet was arrested Monday morning from his residence in Lalitpur on the charge of publishing a news report on Khojtalas.com, the online portal of Khojtalas Weekly. The report had already been published in Dristi Weekly. The report exposed an attempt to transfer the ownership of land owned by Harisiddhi Brick Industries in Lalitpur to some private individuals, allegedly with the involvement of Maoist lawmaker Pampha Bhusal and some other leaders of the party. Police arrested Basnet following an order from Kathmandu District Court in response to a writ petition filed by one Sushil Khanal, alleging that Basnet had subjected him to character assassination through the report. The court has given permission to keep Basnet in judicial custody for four days. Metropolitan Police Range Office, Lalitpur said Basnet will be kept in judicial custody for the four days for further investigations. The media fraternity has taken strong exception to the arrest, calling it a move to harass journalists by invoking a cyber crime law provisioned under the Electronic Transaction Act. Media rights activists have expressed concern that such misuse of legal provisions could seriously undermine press freedom.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Online, Right to information
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 24, 2018
- Event Description
One teenage boy has been killed and dozens were injured in west Nepal when police opened fire on protesters demanding action over the rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl, according to officials. Angry crowds took to the streets in the city of Mahendranagar on Friday, accusing police of protecting the person responsible for the brutal crime. Police officer Krishna Raj Ojha told AFP news agency on Saturday that 17-year-old Sani Khuna was killed after officers fired shots "to contain the violent protest". According to the Kathmandu Post, Khuna died while being taken to hospital for treatment. The publication said that several other protesters, as well as police personnel, were injured in the clashes. Police said an indefinite curfew has been imposed in the area, near the border with India's Uttarakhand state. Schoolgirl Nirmala Panta went missing in late July and her body was found the following day in a sugar-cane field. Anger boiled over after police arrested a man who reportedly has severe learning difficulties, and whom protesters say is a scapegoat allowing officers to shield the real culprit. The victim's family have also accused police of failing to take action over her death. "The state has not taken the cases of rape and violence against women seriously," women's rights activist Hima Bista told AFP. "Protection is being provided to the rape-accused time and again," she added. Further rallies are planned for Saturday across Nepal. In the capital, Kathmandu, around 1,500 people staged a silent protest under a heavy police presence, AFP reported. The hashtags #RageAgainstRape and #JusticeForNirmala were also trending on Twitter. "The so-called democratic government couldn't give justice to the rape and murder victim instead they killed an innocent boy," Twitter user Sunel GC posted. There were 1,480 reported rapes in Nepal last year, according to recently released police data, almost double the number reported in 2016. Activists say the rise is due to more women reporting violence to the police, but also say many more still go unreported in deeply patriarchal Nepal.
- Impact of Event
- 12
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Death, Killing, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Right to life, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 9, 2018
- Event Description
Yet again, journalists exposing irregularities relating to contractor and government officials have been attacked. Senior journalists Chhabilal Tiwari and Om Prakash Ghayal were attacked by a contractor on August 9 in Parbat, a district in Province 4 of Nepal. Journalist Ghayal is the station manager at Radio Saligram and Journalist Tiwari is associated with the Nagarik daily. According to the Freedom Forum's representative for Province 4 Rajan Upadhaya, journalists Tiwari and Ghayal were attacked by the local contractor Puskal Sharma and his team at Chhamarke of Kushma-4 in the evening. Both the journalists were assaulted while returning back from the caf_. The drunken contractor not only thrashed them but also abused verbally. He also tore Ghayal's clothes injuring him. Earlier, both journalists had exposed irregularities relating to the contractors and government officials. Representative Upadhaya further reported that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Bhuwaneswar Tiwari of Kushma also condemned the attack and said that he was informed through telephone about the incident in the evening and he immediately ordered the Inspector for further investigation. Both the journalists also filed an FIR in the District Administration Office, Parbat. With the federalism in place, the local levels have been empowered with huge budget and authorities to propel the development activities. But the irregularities on the development activities are fueled by undue contract involving the government officials. These are obviously the stories for journalists to investigate and bring the facts to light. But, the growing hostility to the media for reporting corruption and irregularities is taking toll on press freedom. Freedom Forum therefore vehemently condemns the attack on the journalists and demands urgent action from the authorities to book the attackers. It is the sheer violation of press freedom and freedom of information. Such activities not only discourage free reporting but also contribute to self-censorship, which is against the media freedom and professionalism.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 21, 2018
- Event Description
Yet again due to security officials intimidation, five journalists were injured in an attack while covering news of a demonstration launched by Nepal Congress youth wing Tarun Dal in the capital on July 21. Kathmandu lies in Province 3. As per FF's representative for province 3 Ashok Dahal, , five journalist namely Ajay Babu Siwakoti, Chief Editor of hamrakura.com and General Secretary of Nepal Press Union, Maheshwar Gautam affiliated to Rajdhani Daily, Nibesh Kumar affiliated to New 24, Skanda Gautam and Praveen Maharjan affiliated to The Himalayan Times were severely injured after security officials attacked them in the protest against the government. Police fired 23 rounds of teargas shells at a rally organized by Tarun Dal, youth wing of main opposition Nepali Congress and baton charged journalists. All injured journalists are under treatment in Civil Hospital, Baneshwor. Freedom Forum condemns the intimidation against the journalist and urges the government to stop such actions that obstructs journalist's right to free reporting. Attacking journos physically and inflicting injuries is the sheer violation of press freedom. The police intervention against journalists is a serious threat to free press and freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution. FF urges the concerned authority to take action against the attackers and respect press freedom.
- Impact of Event
- 5
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to information
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jul 10, 2018
- Event Description
Police today arrested 25 human right activists who were preparing to stage a sit-in at Singha Durbar southern gate this afternoon. Those arrested include founder chair of Human Rights and Peace Society Nepal Krishna Pahadi and chair Gangadhar Adhikari. A group of around 50 activists who were marching towards the gate were arrested by police within less than five minutes of their arrival. While half of them were arrested, other half were scattered from the site. The activists said they were preparing to stage a peaceful protest against the government's decision to prohibit public from staging protests at Maitighar Mandala and other places in Kathmandu. They have also criticised the government for turning a deaf ear to the demands of Ganga Maya Adhikari and Dr Govinda KC. Adhikari has been staging hunger strike for the past 43 days demanding punishment for those involved in the extra-judicial killing of her son during the Maoist insurgency. Likewise, Dr KC is on hunger strike for the past 10 days demanding that the government incorporate recommendations of the Kedar Bhakta Mathema led commission in the medical education bill. Talking to The Himalayan Times Pahadi said, "This government has given a clear indication that it is headed towards imposing an authoritarian rule by seizing the freedom of expression." Pahadi further said that the government was becoming an "unbridled horse' filled with the pride of its two-thirds majority in the Parliament. He also said that they will stage protests on July 14 and July 16. HURPES is a voluntary organisation which was established in 2053 with the aim of promoting human rights.
- Impact of Event
- 50
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Online, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jan 8, 2018
- Event Description
Prominent activist Dr. Govinda K.C. was arrested for contempt of court on the evening of 8 January 2018. Prior to his arrest, he issued a press statement demanding the resignation of Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli, for reinstating Dr. Sashi Sharma as the Dean of the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Dr. K.C. also accused Chief Justice Parajuli of being "corrupt' and a "mafia don', and undermining the judiciary. After his press statement, Dr. K.C. began his 14th hunger strike. Hundreds of people from various walks of life came out onto the street against Dr. K.C.'s detention. They chanted slogans calling for his immediate release. There was huge public pressure, and the Supreme Court ordered his release on a general date in a contempt of court case on January 10, while calling for an investigation into the authenticity of citizenship document and education certificates of Chief Justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli. Dr. K.C. has been ordered to appear before the court for the next hearing scheduled for February 20. This is the first time that the judiciary has taken a liberal approach towards the accused even after admitting in court to criticizing the Chief Justice and his decision. Despite the fact that the allegations against Dr. K.C. were proved before the bench, he was released on a date for reappearing before the court. The court sought neither bail nor any personal guarantee for his release. The Supreme Court also accepted his demand for a probe into the Chief Justice's citizenship, and his academic certificates. Dr. Govinda K.C. vowed to continue his fast-unto-death until the remaining demands in the purification campaign of medical education and judiciary are met. Dr. K.C. has risked his life repeatedly to push for much-needed reforms in medical education. The anti-corruption crusader was arrested by the Nepal Police with what seems like a direct order from the court, without information passed to the government. This suggests that the judiciary has overstepped its jurisdiction. It therefore seems that not only are Nepal's politicians using the police for their own whims, but the country's judiciary is also engaging in power plays. The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) urges the government of Nepal and the Supreme Court to drop charges against Dr. Govinda K.C. for making healthy criticisms against the judiciary and seeking a probe against a tainted verdict. The allegations of forgery of citizenship certificate and education certificates must be investigated. The Chief Justice must step down in line with the popular demand of morality.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 9, 2013
- Event Description
On 9 April 2013, 12 human rights campaigners were arrested in the Baluwatar area. The names of the 12 campaigners are: - Sudha Maharjan - Sushila Maharjan - Ishan Adhikari - Jagannath Lamichhane - Bidushi Dhungel - Prajwal Shrestha - Mukesh Shrestha - Nirprakash Giri - Kunjan Kafle - Mahis Maharjan - Bikram Shreshtha and - Ujwal Thapa Police arrested the 12 activists who have been taking part in the "Occupy Baluwatar Campaign" for over 100 days, demanding the end of violence against women and impunity and calling for justice and the rule of law. 9 April was the 103rd day of the peaceful protest. The campaign was launched by rights defenders in response to the rising number of incidents of violence against women (VAW). It is aimed at exerting pressure on the authorities to provide justice to the victims of VAW, and punish the perpetrators rigorously. Even though those detained were released a few hours later this act was a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
- Impact of Event
- 12
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Intimidation and Threats, Sexual Violence
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Apr 25, 2013
- Event Description
On 25 March 2013, Mr. Kedar Dahal, actively working in the sector of child rights and currently a Secretary of the Child NGO Federation Nepal as well as a Freedom Forum executive member, was attacked by an unknown gang with khukuri (homemade weapons) near his home at Dakshindholka of Jorpati, Kathmandu. Following the attack, the police arrested six persons, including an individual named Kishor Bhattarai, and the authorities have been investigating the murder attempt. The arrested persons reportedly belong to the Youth Force, a sister wing of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), and members of the Force are exerting political pressure to ensure that the criminal charges against their cadres are lifted. By the end of March, Dahal was still facing threats to his security, and his family members were also receiving threats from criminal gangs.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 11, 2013
- Event Description
On 11 March 2013, Satya Narayan Sharma - the editor of Janahit Weekly,was beaten up while collecting news by the cadres of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum. They allege that Mr Sharma was spreading false news. Whilst the police intervened to stop the beating no action has been taken against the culprits.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Mar 4, 2013
- Event Description
On 4 March 2013, Hari Dev Kharel - a journalist received death threats from ten unidentified men. Mr Kharel has approached the relevant Nepalese authorities who have said they will investigate the matter.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 28, 2012
- Event Description
On 28 August 2012, a campaign of harassment of members of leading women"s rights organization WOREC Nepal and LGBTI rights organization Mitini Nepal began following their support to a victim of domestic violence who had recently 'come out' as a lesbian. Due to the assistance they provided to the lady and her partner, the staff of Mitini Nepal and their president Laxmi Ghalan,came under threat. Ms. Ghalan received threatening calls, threatening that if she raises the case of the lady, her office would be vandalized and she would be abducted. The police also surrounded the office of Mitini Nepal in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. After the police withdrew from Mitini Nepal's office, several plain-clothes individuals stayed to watch the office. Due to the threats, Mitini Nepal's staff looked for shelter in the premises of WOREC. The police are also reported to have searched two rooms respectively rented by Mitini Nepal's president and one staff on 28 and 29 August. On the evening of 30th August 2012 at around 7.30 pm, about 40 persons claiming to be relatives of the lady forced their way into WOREC's office, in Balkumari, Lalitpur, searching for her and her partner, whom they were accusing of having trafficked. They were accompanied by 7 police personnel but the police did not enter the office's premises. On the same day, four police officers visited the office of Mitini Nepal and accused their staff of hiding the woman. They visited the office several times on that day, accompanied by the lady's relatives.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Surveillance
- Rights Concerned
- SOGI rights, Women's rights
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 9, 2013
- Event Description
On 9 February 2013, Ms. Apsara Upreti, a journalist and social worker associated with the Integrated Community Development Campaign (ICDC), Dhading district, was threatened by a UCPN-M district member,Ram Krishna Acharya, for trying to get legal support to a rape victim. This is not the first time she has received threats from this group. As early as 2010 Ms Upreti received a death threat from Binod Luitel, a District Committee Member of Unified Communist Party of Nepal- Maoist (UCPNM) and Ram Nepali, secretary of Maoist affiliated Dalit Mukti Morcha for supporting Ms. Shanti Rupakheti WHRD of Jivanpur VDC-8 in Dhading to seek justice.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Sexual Violence
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 9, 2012
- Event Description
On 9 May 2012, Dhan Bahadur Thanet Tharu was shot during a clash with police at Danda of Nawalparasi. He passed away on 5 June 2012. Tharu was injured when police fired gunshots during a demonstration organised by the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities ( NEFIN) and United Tharu Struggle Committee (UTSS). The violent scuffle ensued as police tried to prevent the mob from entering the Kawasoti Police Post on 9 May 2012. Police said they were compelled to fire 12 rounds of bullets and two teargas canisters to take the situation under control.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Death, Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Right to Protest
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 18, 2011
- Event Description
On 7 July 2011, Mr. Jitman Basnet, journalist, human rights lawyer and founder of "Lawyers' Forum for Human Rights (LAFHUR), was followed by two men on a motor bike in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. They reportedly tried to overtake him a number of times; however the road was too narrow for two vehicles to pass next to each other. According to information received, when Mr. Basnet was forced to slow down due to a traffic jam, one of the perpetrators dismounted from his motorbike and shouted to the other to grab Mr. Basnet. At this point, Mr. Basnet allegedly managed to force his way out of the traffic and to lose the individuals. It is reported that later that day, Mr. Basnet filed a First Information Report with the police regarding the incident. On 21 June 2011, Mr. Basnet received a death threat call to his mobile phone from a number which has allegedly been traced to a public telephone in Bhaktapur. According to the information received, Mr. Basnet received a number of calls since that date from unknown numbers which he did not answer. On 18 June 2011, Mr. Basnet received a threatening phone call to his mobile phone number. The caller allegedly asked him where he was and informed him that the identity of the caller would soon be revealed to him, at which point Mr. Basnet hung up the phone. On 15 June 2011, Mr. Basnet attended a televised public event called "Forum for Justice and Truth." At the event, political parties and NGOs discussed Bills concerning reform of the powers of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Disappearances Commission. It is reported that during the forum, Mr. Basnet was outspoken regarding impunity and accused political leaders of negligence. He also asked embassies to refuse visas to alleged perpetrators as well as to provide shelter to threatened human rights defenders. Since January 2011, Mr. Basnet has been assisting family members of victims to file First Information Reports concerning cases of extra-judicial killings carried out during the conflict period. According to information received, it is estimated that there are more than 80 similar cases in the Solukhumbu district, that remain unreported due to the remote location of the district and a lack of civil society structure. In April 2011, Mr. Basnet reportedly attempted to file a report in which he alleged that the perpetrators of the cases of extra-judicial killings were high ranking police and army officials. However, he was unable to file a report due to the action taken by the deputy superintendent of police.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Surveillance
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Sep 3, 2011
- Event Description
On 3 September 2011, according to the District Chairman of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Ganesh Pokharel, journalist Paras Timsina was abducted from a local Birta bazaar by two unidentified persons on a motorcycle. The assailants blindfolded the journalist and took him to an undisclosed location where they held him for two hours. Before releasing Timsina, they warned him that he would be killed if he reported on the incident. The assailants reportedly said, "You are a journalist and report on the news. You have hindered our work. If you continue to write stories, you will be finished off within two hours of publishing the report."
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Nov 15, 2010
- Event Description
On 15 November 2010, Sushil Dhungana, publisher of Ghodaghodi Sandesh weekly, was abducted by five persons on motorcycles from Naya Bazar of Sadhepani while returning to Sukkhad from Sadhepani and taken to jungle. "You have become a big journalist. Now you will enjoy," Dhungel quoted the men as saying before thrashing him and slicing his fingers. He had published news on Sunday highlighting the increasing smuggling and corruption in the district. Sushil had published an article on 14 November 2010 entitled "Smuggling and Commission Seeking Up", highlighting the increasing smuggling and corruption in the district. Dhungana was abducted at 3:00 p.m. and was released at around 6:00 p.m. According to him, three of the assailants riding motorcycles were wearing masks so it was difficult to identify them. The abductors threatened to kill Dhungana if the incident was made public. He informed his colleagues about the incident only after reaching Dhangadhi, the captial of Kailali district in western Nepal, on 16 November. "We have filed a case at the District Police Office in Kailali, asking them to investigate the incident as soon as possible," local journalist Dirgharaj Upadhyay told the Press Freedom Monitoring Desk of Freedom Forum over the phone. "We urged security forces not to keep any stone unturned in connection with the incident."
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping, Torture
- Rights Concerned
- Right to information
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Feb 7, 2011
- Event Description
Two journalists were displaced from Pathari in Morang district after frequent life threats over the issue of news coverage. Arjun Jamneli Rai, correspondent of Aujar Daily, and Bibek Bhattarai, correspondent of Janabidroha Daily, were displaced after they received frequent life threat messages from mobile number 9842306151 on Sunday. The scribes were threatened over the news coverage of sand and pebble extraction from local Sunjora River for land plotting. A group of youth led by Sajan Dhimal after the direction of local UML leader Kishor Rai seized the Aujar Daily and disrupted the paper distribution on Sunday. Different organizations have condemned the act saying seizing newspaper and halting the distribution was against the press freedom. Journalists Rai and Bhattarai are the members of Revolutionary Journalist Association, Morang chapter. No one has been arrested in connection with the issue though the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Morang chapter, Press Chautari, Press Union and others lodged complaints demanding their arrest at the office of the Chief District Officer Suresh Adhikari, Superintendent of Police Dipak Thapa and CPN (UML).
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Rights Concerned
- Right to information, Right to liberty and security
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Jun 25, 2011
- Event Description
The attack on 12 journalists at Tribeni VDC, Udayapur, came under heavy attack from media bodies. Issuing a joint statement, Federation of Nepali Journalists, Revolutionary Journalists' Association, Nepal Press Union and Press Chautari Nepal deplored the local administration and police for not heeding a call for investigation into the incident. On Saturday, a group of people had attacked 12 journalists associated with various media during Tribeni Fair. The mediapersons had reached there to cover news on gambling business operating at the fair on the alleged protection of the District Administration Office (DAO) and police. Regardless of the presence of security personnel, the group attacked the journalists and looted their camcorders, tapes, a wallet and a gold chain. In the wake of the incident, journalists had appealed to the DAO and the police administration to take legal action against the guilty. The authorities, however, did not heed the investigation call made by the journalists. The media people have threatened to launch a stir if the authorities concerned didn't investigate the incident.
- Impact of Event
- 12
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Right to information
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Oct 3, 2010
- Event Description
On 3 October 2010, police on Sunday around 200 forest activists, including Chairman of Federation of Community Forest Users' Nepal Apsara Chapagain, while they were trying to picket the Department of Forest. The agitators had reached the department as part of a nationwide strike against the government's decision to amend Forest Act-1993 to increase the tax from 15 percent to 50 percent and to scrap the rights of community forests. "The Armed Police Force interfered in our peaceful sit-in and charged batons mercilessly," said Federation's executive officer Suvas Devkota. All the protestors have been kept at Metropolitan Police Sector, Singha Durbar and Kamalpokhari. Devkota said over one dozen Federation members were seriously injured when police baton charged the protestors. "They were even barred from treatment," he said. Federation treasurer Bhaati Pathak said that a proposal regarding amendment of the Act is awaiting the parliament's approval, which, if endorsed, will curtail the rights and privileges of community forests user groups. Government officials say the Act should be amended to control rampant deforestation in Tarai districts and encroachment of forest areas across the country.
- Impact of Event
- 200
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- May 14, 2019
- Event Description
The three journalists, Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Javan Bhandari, who work for the news agency's English-language service, are under "investigation" in connection with the news item, the authorities confirmed on 14 May. The three RSS journalists were questioned about the dispatch they translated and circulated reporting that the Tibetan spiritual leader had left the New Delhi hospital where he was being treated and had returned to Dharamshala, the city in northern India that is the Tibetan exile community's capital. The investigation was ordered by information and communication minister Gokul Baskota, who said: "Dissemination of this report by the state-run agency, particularly during the president's state visit to China, is against Nepal's commitment to One-China policy." "These RSS journalists just did their job by reporting information of public interest" said Daniel Bastard, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "It is not up to the Nepalese government to decide what can or cannot be published, and even less so to China's representatives in Kathmandu. We demand an immediate end to this investigation and we condemn this unacceptable interference, which violates the independence of Nepal's journalists." Speaking on condition of anonymity, an RSS journalist told the Kathmandu Post that a representative of the Chinese state news agency Xinhua visited the head of RSS, who then set up a committee to decide what action should be taken against the three journalists. The three journalists meanwhile insist that they circulated the report with the sole aim of informing, not with any political intent. The new criminal code that Nepal adopted last year contains major threats to press freedom. At the same time, officials have been employing an "anti-media rhetoric" which has been widely reproduced in the government's newspapers, radio stations and TV channels and which is also intimidating journalists. Nepal is ranked 106th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2019 World Press Freedom Index.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Right to information
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 19, 2019
- Country
- Nepal
- Initial Date
- Aug 11, 2019
- Event Description
Police on Sunday detained 11 activists of various ethnic communities during a protest outside Singhadarbar, the country’s central administrative complex.
The activists had staged a demonstration protesting the ongoing local government staff recruitment process, arguing the Public Service Commission did not follow provisions on reservations for various social groups in the process. They have been demanding that the commission cancel the recruitment process and call for applications again ensuring proportionate reservation quotas for Dalits, indigenous communities, Madhesis and Muslims.
As the demonstrators headed towards the main entrance of Singhadarbar from Bhadrakali, police detained Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities vice-president Govinda Chhantyal, leaders Kumar Lingden and Dalmardhan Kami among others.
The road outside Singhadarbar remains a restricted zone for any kind of protest.
The detainees have been kept at Nepal Police Club.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Minority Rights, Offline
- HRD
- Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 3, 2019
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