Media Action Nepal condemns police complicity in intimidation against journalists
KATHMANDU | June 15: Media Action Nepal condemns the recent incidents of violence and intimidation against journalists where police not only failed to protect media workers but were complicit in the attacks. On June 13 in Chitwan, journalists covering a press conference were physically assaulted and pressured to delete footage, while police officers stood by and shielded the attackers.
In a separate incident on June 14 in Doti, Jhalak Pali, editor of Najar Online faced police pressure and abuse for publishing a report based on source information, with authorities demanding a public apology. These incidents reflect a troubling pattern of hostility toward press freedom and abuse of power by state actors.
A video posted on the Narayani Online Facebook Page clearly shows a journalists including Anil Dhakal being attacked in a hooligan manner by a person accompanying the police at a press conference for a victim of fraud in foreign employment in Chitwan on June 13.
Kamala Sapkota, 32, of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-4; Sagar Kharel, 23, of Bharatpur-4; Sabin Thapa, 33, of Kavre Panchkhal Municipality-8; and others entered the premises with the police and attacked the journalists in a hooligan manner. The audience in the video, which included journalists, could be heard discussing how individuals became victims of fraudulence by a consulting firm. Police, on the other hand, backed goons on the consultancy’s behalf, while journalists were attacked.
Pali told Media Action Nepal that this situation arose after he published a news report based on information received on the death of Deepak Khadka of Jorayal Rural Municipality-1 of Doti on May 29 in a messenger group called ‘Journalist with Police’ set up by the police. Pali, who is being constantly accused of the news being misleading and devoid of facts, has been a victim and is under pressure to provide a public apology. “Police called and asked me to apologize and resolve the situation,” Pali told Media Action Nepal. “However, I responded to police that I reported based on sources. I would not do so.”
“Actions like these against journalists are entirely unacceptable and run counter to principles of press freedom,” said Laxman Datt Pant, Founder and the Executive Director of Media Action Nepal. We demand that the relevant bodies investigate the incident and take serious steps to control such activities while also ensuring press freedom and security, Pant added.
Media Action Nepal demands strict and immediate action against those involved in the attack, including the police officers who fueled chaos, and bring them to justice.
Media Action Nepal demands strict and immediate action against those involved in these attacks, including the police officers who fueled chaos, and bring them to justice.