Journalist Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti received threats after publishing a report on the alleged rape of a female employee of Nepal’s Federal Parliament by Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

This statement was originally published on ifj.org on 4 October 2019.

Nepali journalist and union leader Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti has been the subject of a campaign of threats and surveillance since the publishing of an article on an alleged rape by Nepal’s Speaker in Parliament. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Nepal Press Union (NPU) remain deeply concerned for Shiwakoti’s safety and call on authorities to immediately ensure his protection.

Shiwakoti’s website, Hamra Kura, published an exclusive report on September 30 on the alleged rape of a female employee of Nepal’s Federal Parliament by Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara. Krishna Bahadur Mahara was forced to step down as House Speaker after the publication of Shiwakoti’s story

NPU said Shiwakoti had received threats from various unknown numbers and that groups were “tracking his movements”. He also received information that groups were planning to vandalise his office and assault him.

A spokesperson from Metropolitan Police, Hobendra Bogati, stated police were verbally informed of the threats to the journalist, but reported no written complaint had been filed yet.

NPU demands police and government to ensure Shiwakoti’s safety and freedom to work as a journalist without harassment, threat or intimidation.

The threats to Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti after reporting on a politician undermined the public’s ability to hold politicians accountable, it said.

NPU said: “The fundamental right of freedom of the press and expression is enshrined in Nepal’s constitution and is necessary to build a conducive environment to publish and broadcast news freely, fairly and without fear.”

IFJ joins NPU in strongly demanding police and the government bring forward any person or groups that have been following, issuing threats and conducting surveillance on Shiwakoti.

The IFJ said: “We echo the words of the NPU. The IFJ stands in solidarity with Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti and the NPU in their fight for press freedom in Nepal. Freedom of expression and press freedom is a key democratic value that must be protected at all costs. We urge the authorities to prioritise journalists’ safety and respond to the threats against Mr Shiwakoti immediately.”