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- IUJ expressed deep concern over press freedom issues in Nepal under the new government led by Balen Shah (RSP).
- Concerns cite unauthorized obstructions at major media groups, threats to journalist Kishore Shrestha, and denial of government ads to private media.
- IUJ calls on Nepal government to uphold constitutional guarantees of press freedom.
Kathmandu, July 15: The International Union of Journalists (IUJ) has expressed serious concern over what it describes as a series of developments affecting press freedom and freedom of expression in Nepal following the formation of the current government.
In a statement issued by IUJ’s General Secretary Z A Muhammad, the IUJ said it was deeply concerned about actions that appear to undermine press freedom, freedom of expression, the rule of law, civil liberties and democratic values guaranteed by Nepal’s Constitution and recognised under international human rights standards.
The organisation stated that any actions by the government—or by individuals or groups acting in its support—that restrict independent journalism or intimidate media professionals are inconsistent with the principles of a democratic society.
The IUJ cited several recent developments, including reports of vehicles being parked to obstruct the entrances of major media organisations such as Kantipur Media Group, Onlinekhabar, and Himalaya Television, the reported threats and attempted detention of senior journalist Kishore Shrestha, and government policies that, according to the union, effectively excluded private media from receiving government advertisements.
According to the statement, such actions risk creating an environment that discourages independent reporting and weakens media pluralism.
The union called on the Government of Nepal to uphold the rule of law and fully respect the constitutional guarantees enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal (2015), including freedom of the press, freedom of expression and the fundamental rights of citizens.
It also urged the government to reaffirm, through both its policies and actions, its commitment to democratic principles, media freedom and internationally recognised standards on freedom of expression.
The IUJ further expressed concern over what it described as a growing climate of self-censorship among journalists and media organisations in Nepal.
It warned that an environment in which journalists feel compelled to withhold or moderate reporting because of fear, intimidation or retaliation poses a serious threat to democratic governance, transparency and the public’s right to information.
The organisation concluded by calling on all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that journalists are able to carry out their professional duties freely, safely and without fear, in accordance with Nepal’s constitutional obligations and its commitments under international human rights law. #nepal
