Date:  August 1, 2024

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has drawn its attention to the smear campaigns and character assassination targeting Sushil Kumar Khadka, Editor of Nepal Karma Online, through social media and certain online news outlets.

According to the FNJ Surkhet Branch, unbalanced and provocative content is being continuously disseminated targeting Khadka, who is also the Vice President of the FNJ Surkhet Branch, over a news report regarding an individual arrested and investigated by the District Police Office, Surkhet, on Sawan 13 (July 28).

The branch stated that without incorporating journalist Khadka's response, individuals spreading one-sided and inflammatory statements were provided a platform by the police to give interviews, creating an environment where the accused was easily brought before the public while the matter was still under investigation.

Such actions by the police force, which carries the responsibility of maintaining law and order, are highly condemnable and regrettable.

The Federation demands that the concerned authorities investigate the incident, immediately bring anyone involved in such activities under the legal framework, and ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future.

Furthermore, the Federation urges all media outlets and journalists to remain responsible toward the Journalist Code of Conduct and practice truthful, factual, and balanced journalism.

Ram Prasad Dahal

General Secretary