Media Action Nepal deplores escalating threats and assaults on journalists
KATHMANDU | October 15 : Media Action Nepal expresses deep concern over the growing threats, harassment, and attacks against journalists merely for performing their professional duties and publishing news stories in the public interest.
On October 8, journalist Parbatraj Ghimire was threatened by Subash Shah, using abusive language, over a news story involving Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah’s house. Shah in the video said that he is brother-in-law of KMC Mayor Balendra Shah. Similarly, on October 7 in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, a group of 5–6 individuals led by Rameshwar Maharjan and Rajendra Maharjan verbally abused and issued death threats against Sandesh Weekly editor Najar Ram Maharjan over a published news report.
Journalist Chandani Jha, based in Janakpur of Madhesh Province, has been facing continuous online harassment and bullying on social media since early October by several individuals, some of whom have also sent her threatening messages in private inboxes. Speaking to Media Action Nepal, Jha said, “Some youths identifying themselves as Hindus questioned why the Muslim community was mentioned first and why I included a Muslim interview. I understand their sentiments, but my responsibility is to report truthfully and impartially.”
On October 13, journalists Manoj Kumar Majhi and Anish Sheikh in Saptari were assaulted and beaten while performing their professional duties. According to Hadis Khuddar, Province Coordinator of Media Action Nepal, journalist Majhi was verbally and physically assaulted by local individuals while covering a news story related to the police’s efforts to implement a court verdict concerning a land dispute. Likewise, journalist Sheikh was harassed by Kanchanrup Municipality Mayor Lalan Prasad Gupta while Sheikh was reporting a meeting between local representatives and teachers regarding unpaid salaries. The mayor even ordered municipal police to forcefully delete photos and videos from Sheikh’s device.
“These incidents not only endanger individual journalists but also undermine press freedom and the citizens’ right to information,” said Laxman Datt Pant, Founding Chair of Media Action Nepal. Media Action Nepal urges authorities to ensure accountability for these violations and to guarantee a safe environment for journalists.
Media Action Nepal urges authorities to ensure accountability for these violations and to guarantee a safe environment for journalists.