Reporter at TV Today Janakpur, Chandani Jha, was misbehaved while covering a news story in Dhanusha district on June 21. Dhanusha lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Reporter Jha had reached the site with her cameraperson for a news story on encroachment of a public road in front of the property belonging to Ward Chairperson of Dhanushadham Municipality-3, Jay Narayan Yadav. However, Yadav’s supporters barred them from taking photos and videos and asked them to take permission from Yadav.
According to reporter Jha, she contacted Yadav for his comment on the news regarding the alleged encroachment of the public road. In response, Yadav not only shouted at Jha over the phone, but also instructed his supporters to slap her, damage camera and chase them away. Despite intimidation, Jha continued her reporting from the site.
Reporter Jha informed FF that she tried to lodge a complaint at District Police Office Dhanusha but the officers refused to register it. “I will also register an application for my safety and this complaint at District Administration Office Dhanusha and Province Office of the National Human Rights Commission tomorrow”, she added.
Freedom Forum condemns the threat issued to the reporter. The incident is an absolute violation of press freedom. FF strongly urges the security authorities to take this case seriously and ensure the safety of journalists.
For more,
Freedom Forum