NPU denounces threats against journalist Poudel

Kathmandu - Nepal Press Union (NPU) has condemned the incident of threats reportedly issued against a journalist by the Managing Director of Nepal Oil Corporation.

NOC Managing Director Gopal Khadka had reportedly issued threats and hurled abusive words at journalist Dilip Poudel who is associated with Nagarik Daily for writing news involving misappropriation of millions of rupees allegedly by Khadka in purchasing land for the NOC.

"NPU strongly denounced the threat issued by NOC Managing Director Khadka, not only against Poudel, but also his family with the intent to damage himself and his family," said a statement issued on Saturday by NPU General Secretary Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti.

The NPU finds this act as a way to silence and destablise Poudel who was lately actively bringing to light alleged corruptions in NOC. "Such incident of threats and mistreatment of journalists at the government's Central Secretariat at Singha Durbar indicates flourishing chaos and impunity in government bodies," the statement read.

The statement added that the NPU demands that accused Khadka be removed from his position as NOC Managing Director and investigations be launched while urging the government and concerned authority to create fearless environment for journalists to work.