Gulmi-based correspondent to Radio Nepal, Surya Sunar, was manhandled and barred from reporting at Musikot Municipality on June 19. Musikot Municipality is located in Lumbini Province of Nepal.
Speaking to Freedom Forum, reporter Sunar said he was in the municipality office premises to report on the presentation of the municipality’s policy and program. Meanwhile, a dispute broke out between the Municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer and Ward No. 2 Chairperson Rabindra KC.
“As I began recording the dispute, Ward Chairperson KC shouted at me, questioned why I was recording, seized my phone, and grabbed me by the collar. The on-duty security persons deleted the video from my phone as per the Chairperson’s order and returned it later,” Sunar shared the incident.
He added that he was carrying his press ID card and the officials were well aware of his identity as a journalist.
Sunar also informed FF that he would file a First Information Report (FIR) at the District Police Office today itself (June 22).
Freedom Forum condemns the intimidation faced by reporter. FF strongly urges the local authorities to be aware of constitutionally guaranteed right to free reporting for journalists and not repeat such action in future.
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