Freedom Forum condemns the act and urges authorities to ensure the safety of citizens.
This statement was originally published on freedomforum.org.np on 17 February 2025.
Freedom Forum has learned that an individual named Padam Chenjo Mabo was targeted for his social media campaign on February 16, in Dharan. Dharan lies in Nepal’s Koshi Province. Mabo is the vice president of the Yakthung Chumlung organization.
A video showing a few people smearing the face of Mabo was circulated on social media. The video shows that people associated with the Pathibhara Conservation Joint struggle committee attacked Mabo for his campaign in favour of the construction of a cable car at the Pathibhara temple, during a Yakthung Chumlung convention. The struggle committee has been protesting against the Pathibhara cable car project, using the words ‘No Cable car’.
Police officers rescued Mabo from the attack.
The assailants assaulted Mabo and threatened him not to speak in favour of the cable car project.
Freedom Forum’s Executive Chief Taranath Dahal stated, “Everyone has the right to speak and express an opinion for and against any issue. Assaulting someone merely for their opinion is an absolute violation of free speech and free expression.”
FF condemns the act and urges the concerned authority to ensure the safety of citizens.