The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in expressing concern over the latest reports of threats against a journalist by a police officer in Lahan, in Nepal’s eastern Siraha region on July 10, 2012.
Mithilesh Yadav, a Lahan-based journalist for Nagarik Daily was allegedly threatened by a police constable over news published about continuing criminal activities such as beatings, abductions and explosions in Lahan in the last five months.
Yadav reported that he was manhandled while he was on assignment following up his report at the Police Office. Yadav alleges that Senior Superintend of Police, Govinda Niraoula, told him on the phone that he (Yadav) "would get what he deserves for his writings" and requested him not to write negative about the police when a complaint was lodged about the incident.
“The IFJ joins the FNJ in strongly condemning this latest incident of journalist intimidation”, IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
“Investigating crime and criminal investigations is part of the day-to-day responsibility of an effective, independent media. It does not justify threats or intimidation”.
The IFJ calls on Nepal’s police force to demonstrate respect for press freedom and the important role of journalists in serving the public good.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0950
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