Kanchanpur, Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal – In a concerning incident on May 17, Nepal Police took two journalists into custody in Kanchanpur while they were reporting on a clash between police personnel and locals regarding the cross-border transport of goods. The journalists, Aishwarya Kunwar and Rajendra Nath, were subsequently released after a two-hour detention and discussions with fellow journalists.
Aishwarya Kunwar, a correspondent at Sagarmatha Television, and Rajendra Nath, editor-in-chief of the news portal https://simarekha.com/, had arrived at a local police station in Mahendranagar to cover the ongoing clash. However, despite being aware of their journalistic activities, the police officers arrested the duo and confiscated their belongings. Nath was handcuffed during the ordeal.
Recounting the incident, Aishwarya Kunwar expressed her distress, saying, “They not only took us under control but also seized our belongings. They handcuffed journalist Nath and took us into the police station. We were kept there for two hours and released later after a discussion with fellow journalists.” Kunwar also revealed that she sustained injuries to her legs and shoulders as a result of police aggression while being brought into the station. She added that the media had previously published reports on police activities, leading to a lack of cooperation towards journalists.
The arrest of the journalists has been strongly condemned by Freedom Forum, an organization dedicated to defending and promoting press freedom. The organization called the incident a gross violation of press freedom and urged the Nepal Police to differentiate between journalists and those involved in the clash, while respecting the rights enshrined in the constitution. Freedom Forum also emphasized the importance of journalists displaying their press identification clearly to avoid such instances of intimidation.
The incident highlights the need for security personnel to be aware of the safety and rights of journalists, allowing them to report on matters of public concern freely and without fear. Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy and plays a vital role in holding institutions accountable and informing the public.
As the incident gains attention and sparks outrage, journalists’ associations and media organizations are expected to raise their voices against such infringements on press freedom. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding and protecting the rights of journalists, ensuring their safety, and creating an environment where they can carry out their professional duties without hindrance.
