FNJ Kathmandu condemns threats and abuse against journalist Ramchandra Basnet
Kathmandu: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Kathmandu branch, has expressed serious concern and strongly condemned the abuse, indecent behavior, and death threats made against senior journalist Ramchandra Basnet by Leela Thapa, an employee of Win Media Pvt. Ltd.
Basnet, the publisher of Tamakoshi Sandesh Weekly and former treasurer of the FNJ Kathmandu branch, was reportedly targeted while carrying out his professional duties. In a statement issued by branch secretary Ramesh Kumar Bohora, the incident has been described as more than a personal grievance, calling it a direct assault on independent journalism.
“This kind of objectionable behavior has seriously undermined democratic values, press freedom, and the right to expression, which is unacceptable under any circumstances,” the statement read.
The FNJ Kathmandu branch emphasized that such aggressive conduct is a violation of the press code of conduct, social norms, and existing laws. It has called for the immediate prosecution of the perpetrator and warned that such actions create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for working journalists.
“Free press and fearless journalism are the cornerstones of a democratic society,” the statement added. “Such incidents force journalists to operate in an environment of fear, which is completely unacceptable to us.”
The FNJ has urged law enforcement and administrative bodies to conduct a fair and swift investigation and ensure legal accountability. It has also called on the government, stakeholders, and civil society to adopt a policy of zero tolerance against threats to press freedom.
Dineshkhabar Desk