Journalists were barred from reporting on the plights of displaced people at government holding centers in Kathmandu. On July 11, journalists faced restrictions while reporting from the Holding Center in Kirtipur, where people displaced following the demolition of riverside settlements for alleged encroachment on government land had been temporarily relocated.
Several journalists shared incidents of intimidation and obstruction during their reporting.
A reporter from Kantipur National Daily, Samarpan Shree wrote in his social media post titled- Reporter's Diary that police stopped him at the gate despite showing his press identity card and informed him that they had 'orders from above' not to allow journalists inside. However, he contacted a representative from the Prime Minister's Office who was inside the center and he was allowed to enter. Even then, police asked whether he was carrying a camera and warned that taking photographs or videos inside the premises was prohibited. The reporter further stated that he chose not to confront the police, fearing that doing so could prevent him from reporting at the site in the future.
Similarly, in a video report Himalkhabar.com reporters Archana Darji and Menuka Chhantyal stated that the government representative and security persons forced them to leave the holding center while reporting and had to continue reporting from outside the gate.
Restrictions on media continued on July 12. According to Onlinekhabar journalist Kaushal Kaphle, media persons were denied entry to another holding center in Kharipati, Bhaktapur where displaced families had been relocated from Kirtipur Holding Center after flooding. Journalists were asked to obtain official permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Chief District Officer before they could enter the facility.
On the other hand, Gen Z activists Sarishma Thapa, Majid Ansari and Nelson Ghatani protesting outside the Kirtipur holding center were allegedly assaulted and detained by security personnel on July 11. They were released after around four hours. Ansari is reportedly receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. Similarly, 26 youths protesting outside the police station in Biratnagar against those arrests were also arrested late at night on July 11.
Freedom Forum is deeply concerned over these incidents. The restrictions prevented journalists from reporting on issue of significant public concern and limited citizens' access to information. The incidents are against the Constitutionally guaranteed rights to press freedom and peaceful protest. Reported assault upon the protestors is a grave violation of human rights. Hence, FF reminds the authorities of fundamental human rights and strongly urges the concerned authorities to ensure that journalists are able to carry out their professional duties without any interference.
