Media Action Nepal condemns death threat to journalist Bhattarai
KATHMANDU| July 27: Media Action Nepal condemns Mangal Bahadur Thapa, a central committee member of the National Youth Federation Nepal, for issuing a ‘death threat’ to Pradip Bhattarai, editor and chairperson of Post Khabar.
Speaking with Media Action Nepal, Bhattarai said, “Mangal Bahadur Thapa, who was following my Facebook page posts and shares, contacted me via Facebook Messenger, abused me with vulgar words, and issued a death threat four days ago. Yesterday (26 July, Saturday, 10:00 AM), he called me. I answered the phone but immediately blocked the number after recognizing it was Thapa.”
Speaking with Media Action Nepal, Bhattarai said, “Mangal Bahadur Thapa, who was following my Facebook page posts and shares, contacted me via Facebook Messenger, abused me with vulgar words, and issued a death threat four days ago. Yesterday (26 July, Saturday, 10:00 AM), he called me. I answered the phone but immediately blocked the number after recognizing it was Thapa.”
Bhattarai also contacted the District Administration Office in Kathmandu and the Police Circle in Bauddha seeking legal redress. “Despite visiting the police station twice, I have yet to receive any updates. I am terrified because he has threatened to kill me, particularly knowing he is close to the ruling party’s sister organization, the National Youth Federation Nepal. I have strictly limited myself to known calls from family members.”
“I answered your call expecting an update from police circles,” Bhattarai added.
Media Action Nepal strongly condemns the death threat issued against journalist Bhattarai, viewing it as a grave violation of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the core values of democracy. “Such threats are irresponsible, criminal, and utterly unacceptable, they directly undermine press freedom,” said Laxman Datt Pant, Founder and Executive Director of Media Action Nepal. Pant urged authorities to ensure the highest level of protection for journalist Bhattarai and to take swift action against those responsible.
Media Action Nepal strongly condemns the death threat issued against journalist Bhattarai, viewing it as a grave violation of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the core values of democracy.