(FNJ/IFEX) – Dambar Nidal, a reporter of “Sundur Sandesh Weekly”, published from Kailali, was attacked by police officer Rabindra Pal on 18 May 2007 in Dadeldhura, a far western region of Nepal. According to journalist Chitranga Thapa, the sub-inspector of the district prison, Rabindra Pal, turned up at a hotel where Nidal was lodging at […]
(FNJ/IFEX) – Dambar Nidal, a reporter of “Sundur Sandesh Weekly”, published from Kailali, was attacked by police officer Rabindra Pal on 18 May 2007 in Dadeldhura, a far western region of Nepal.
According to journalist Chitranga Thapa, the sub-inspector of the district prison, Rabindra Pal, turned up at a hotel where Nidal was lodging at around 9:00 p.m. (local time) and punched him. Pal, in an inebriated state, arrived on a motorcycle belonging to UNFPA and took the hotel under control for half and hour. He threatened all those inside, according to “The Kathmandu Post”.
The reason for the attack has not yet been revealed. However, the journalists in the region suspect that the attack might be in relation to a news story about three prisoners who fled the prison.
FNJ has condemned the incident and expressed its serious concern over continuous attacks on journalists. The federation has urged the government to ensure the safety and security of journalists and to take immediate action against those responsible for this crime.