Nepalese Journalist Threatened, IFJ Presses for Immediate Investigation

KalimNews, August 26, 2024 : Nepal Ground Zero investigative reporter Subhak Mahato was reportedly threatened on August 10, with the journalist receiving multiple calls from an unknown number warning him to stop his reporting on alleged corruption in the construction of some Nepali airports. 

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) in condemning the threats, and urging authorities to conduct an immediate investigation into the incident. 

On August 10, Subhak Mahato, an investigative journalist for Nepal Ground Zero, reported to receive calls and WhatsApp messages from the American number +1 (678) 523-6569, threating him to stop the investigation on an embezzlement case involving over NRs 18 billion, which Mahato claims to implicate the Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Mahota recorded the calls and messages, submitting them to the Kathmandu Valley Police Office.

Mahato had described the unknown perpetrator as ‘drunk’, using vulgar language and issued death threats against him and his family. He further states the individual who threatened him claimed to know his permanent address, prompting him to avoid his hometown.

Despite experiencing numerous threats in the past, many of which Mahato believes to originate from individuals connected to the CANN, he remains steadfast in his commitment to report on the ongoing corruption in the construction of various Nepalese aiports.

Formal security measures from law enforcement have been limited. Despite filing a report and providing an audio record, the Nepal Police investigation into the death threat has yielded no arrests or concrete progress.

Speaking to IFJ, Krishna Dhungana, Editor of Nepal Ground Zero, stated that this incident creates uncertainty about future investigative journalism, including ongoing corruption investigation reporting. He added that his company gives individual support, but the absence of a structured security plan has exacerbated the threat to the newsroom.

Dhungana futher stated, “Following the threats, Shubhak experienced significant psychological distress. He was offered emotional support and general safety advice, such as changing residence, limiting communication, and avoiding private transportation.”

The FNJ said: “Threatening journalists and journalists' families with physical action is extremely reprehensible and a violation of press freedom and anyone who has a complaint can either take legal action or file a complaint with the Press Council of Nepal.The FNJ urges the concerned authorities to immediately identify and bring [the responsible in] to the legal scope those who make threats to weaken press freedom. and to take steps to create an environment where journalists cannot work safely and fearlessly.”

The IFJ said:“The IFJ is concerned and condemns threats against Subhak Mahato for carrying out his professional duties. Threats to journalists are not ohly a grave infringement on their personal safety but also an attempt to intimidate and stifle press freedom. We urge the authorities to ensure the safety of Mahato and his family, and to take decisive action against those responsible for these threats.”