Threats to Journalist Indra Baniya: Kathmandu Branch Condemns

Kathmandu – The Kathmandu branch of the Nepal Journalists’ Federation strongly condemned threats to Economic News editor and federation member Indra Baniya. A female employee at the National Trauma Center allegedly threatened to break his limbs and take his life.

The threats followed Baniya’s report on August 14 titled “National Trauma Center: Dozens of Staff Appointed in Financial Transactions, No Action Against Chief, Minister Silent”, which highlighted financial irregularities, recruitment issues, and inaction by responsible authorities.

The branch stated that such aggressive and threatening behavior violates Article 5 of the Press Code 2073 and is punishable under the Criminal Code 2074.

Secretary Ramesh Kumar Bohora called for immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation and strict action against the perpetrators. He emphasized that press freedom, access to truthful information, and fearless journalism are pillars of democracy, and attacks like this create fear and self-censorship, ultimately harming citizens’ right to information.

The federation urged the government, judicial bodies, police, and civil society to ensure journalist safety and adopt a zero-tolerance policy for such incidents.