GOLBAZAR: The Mass Communications Academy Madhes province has expressed its concern over the rise in the incidents of threats and harassment against working journalists in the province.

Issuing a press release, Academy Chairperson Shyam Sundar Yadav expressed concern on the incident wherein Bideha municipality mayor, Bechan Das, issued threat of physical action against onlinekhabar journalist Shailendra Mahato over the news content.

It may be noted that mayor Das had intimidated journalist Mahato while the later was covering the news related to swearing-in of the newly-elected members of the province assembly on December 30.

The threat of physical action against working journalist was against the freedom of the press and rule of law, reads the statement.

“It is vehemently condemnable for the responsible authority such as mayor of the municipality – who should work to defend and respect the press freedom – to publicly threat journalist covering news”, the statement added.

Yadav in the statement urged the sides concerned to take legal action against the guilty party, enable environment for practicing fearless journalism and remain alert on the safety of journalist Mahato.