Reporters Laxman Dhungal and Usha Kiran Jyoti of STS Television were harassed while covering a news story on January 7 in Kailali, Sudurpaschim Province. The television channel is aired from Dhangadhi.
Reporter Dhungal told Freedom Forum that the incident occurred while they were reporting on traffic police action against local motorcyclists for violating traffic rules.
“We were recording video of traffic police stopping individuals who had violated traffic rules for news purpose. Meanwhile, one of the officers angrily approached us, shouted at us for filming, and seized our reporting devices. He also attempted to delete the video, but we stoped him after showing our press identity cards,” Dhungal said, adding, "Had my feamel colleague not been present there, he would have slapped me as well."
Freedom Forum expresses serious concern over police intimidation against journalists. Journalists have the right to report on matters of public concern, and such harassment by security personnel undermines press freedom. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authorities to orient security persons on journalists’ rights to free and safe reporting.
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