Basnet has been accused of mobilizing hooligans to beat up Republica/Nagarik correspondent Khila Nath Dhakal. Last Sunday night, a gang of hooligans led by one Monoj Rai, apparently acting at the behest of YF leader Basnet, severely thrashed Biratnagar-based journalist Dhakal. [break]
While YF Biratnagar in-charge Rohit Koirala, who had taken Dhakal to a spot where baton-wielding hooligans were waiting for him, was arrested the same night, Basnet and Rai are both still absconding. Although Basnet attended office as usual for the next two days after the incident, police did not bother to arrest him in spite of the pressure brought to bear on them.
Journalists, who have been carrying out a series of protests demanding Basnet´s immediate arrest, held a rally that converged in a corner meeting at local Trafficchowk. Addressing the meeting, Om Sharma, general secretary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), warned of a stir against any political party that protects the perpetrators.
“Nothing can be as unfortunate as a political party protecting the accused,” Sharma said. Mohan Kaji Neupane, eastern regional coordinator of FNJ, said, “Instead of helping to arrest Basnet, the YF has publicly warned journalists. If the government fails to take action against those who publicly issue threats to journalists, impunity will flourish further.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Communications Agni Sapkota on Friday assured journalists that he will create pressure within the cabinet for action against Basnet. “If needed, I will table a proposal at the cabinet meeting to take action against Basnet,” Sapkota said. “I have spoken to the home minister. I will also speak to the prime minister in this regard if needed.”
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