Freedom Forum (FF) has long been engaged in facilitating support for media professionals working in crisis situations. In addition to providing legal assistance to freedom of expression practitioners, FF also facilitates emergency support for journalists in need through international organizations.
During the period from October to December 2025, Freedom Forum sought medical and equipment support for journalists who were seriously injured during the Gen Z movement. Journalists who received support included Dipendra Dhungana, Shambhu Dangal, and Santosh Deuja.
Photojournalist Dipendra Dhungana of Nayapatrika was seriously injured by rubber bullets in the neck. Although he recovered after two months of medical treatment, his personal reporting equipment- camera was irreversibly damaged. Freedom Forum connected him with Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT)- an organization based in Germany that provides services to media and journalists in challenging contexts. MiCT supported Dhungana in purchasing a new camera.
Another freelance journalist, Shambhu Dangal, was shot in the leg with metal bullets and is still unable to walk without crutches. He was required to travel at least seven kilometers each week for wound dressing and medication from his residence to the hospital. As per his request to FF for medical and living support, FF requested assistance from Free Press Unlimited (FPU), a Netherlands-based organization that provides direct financial support to journalists. Through its Reporters’ Respond Fund, FPU provided financial assistance to Dangal, offering significant relief to him and his family.
Journalist Santosh Deuja of Kapurbot Media had his residence vandalized and set on fire by demonstrators during the Gen Z movement. Following the incident, Deuja requested housing support from FF, as his home was severely damaged. FF coordinated with FPU, which provided basic housing assistance to Deuja.
Similarly, journalist Gopal Dahal received relocation support to continue his work from Kathmandu after being displaced from Dharan, Koshi Province, due to repeated threats from supporters of the mayor. Dahal received relocation support for a six-month period from both FPU and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). CPJ is an organization based in New York that promotes press freedom worldwide and provides emergency assistance to media professionals.
Another journalist, Jiyalal Sah, received litigation support from FPU for cases he has been facing at the District Court of Parsa. Freedom Forum facilitated the request and coordination process for this support.
In 2025, Freedom Forum facilitated emergency assistance of total EUR 3,100 and NPR 709,896 for journalists.
