- 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