Kali Bahadur Malla, a journalist working in Kalikot, a remote mid western district, was attacked recently by local hotel owners over his reporting against liquor sale and distribution in the district headquarters.
Hotelier woman named Tika Sahi called Malla in her hotel and attacked with homemade weapons. She took help of a relative to attack Malla together, it is reported.
The women argued that journalist Malla requested local administration to ban liquor sales through news reporting. Malla was injured seriously in the attack.
It is the incident reflecting insecurity to journalists who report on social maladies.
Meanwhile, the district police have arrested the attackers and sought action.
Serious Injury
In another incident, a woman journalist Rejina Rodan from Jhapa, an easternmost district of the country, was attacked and injured seriously on October 19 in the evening.
Rodan, an editor at local Janaandolan weekly, despite showing journalist's identity card, was attacked and left injured by the hooligans.
According to the Nepal Television reporter, Bhim Nembang, the incident, however, is yet to be ascertained whether it was linked to press freedom.
He added that the police have arrested three of the attackers.
Freedom Forum condemns both of these incidents, as these have violated press freedom. The rights of journalists, who are protectors of freedom of expression, and providing information to the public, to free reporting is violated, and fear spread. The prompt action of the police to apprehend the culprits is appreciative, as it helps curb impunity.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022