- 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