Editor receives death threats over news story
KATHMANDU | December 1: Media Action Nepal condemns the death threats against journalist Shivdayal Yadav, editor and publisher of Mithila Ratna, based in Siraha district, Madhesh Province. Yadav also works for the Avenues Television broadcast from Kathmandu.
Speaking with Media Action Nepal, Yadav stated that he received death threats on November 29 evening through WhatsApp calls. “I had published some news material recently after Director of Mahalaxmi Jewellers Raju Sah, a goldsmith, looted jewellery of several women kept with him as collateral. The victims approached me to raise the issue after filing a complaint with the police. They had approached me earlier, and I had suggested they seek legal action against the perpetrator.”
“Since the news report and complaint, Raju Sah, a jeweller who is on the run, called me on WhatsApp and abused me using vulgar words and issuing death threats,” he lamented.
Media Action Nepal has described the incident as a direct attack on press freedom. Condemning the incident, Laxman Datt Pant, the Founding Chair and Executive Director of Media Action Nepal said, “The act of intimidating and threatening journalists solely for reporting news is a mockery of the rule of law.” The strictest possible action should be taken against the culprits in accordance with the prevailing law, Pant added.
The act of intimidating and threatening journalists solely for reporting news is a mockery of the rule of law.
Media Action Nepal demands with authorities to ensure the complete safety of journalist Yadav and his family.