Media Action Nepal condemns seizure of newsroom equipment, calls on authorities to respect press freedom
KATHMANDU | August 13: Media Action Nepal is gravely concerned about the police action, including the entry into the Jana Aastha Weekly newsroom and confiscation of editorial equipment on Thursday morning (today). Earlier Kishor Shrestha, the editor of the weekly was arrested by police on Wednesday (August 12) following a complaint alleging violation of individual privacy.
While all journalists and media outlets must strictly follow the Journalist Code of Conduct and be accountable to the existing laws, avoiding the established regulatory structures i.e. Press Council Nepalis a dangerous precedent for press freedom in Nepal.
Press Council Nepal is a regulatory body responsible for monitoring media content, investigating complaints, and monitoring compliance with the code of conduct. The direct intervention of the police and physical seizure of newsroom equipment bypasses this regulatory mechanism, violating constitutional guarantees to freedom of expression (Article 17 (2) (a)) and the right to communication (Article 19) and editorial independence.
“Any grievance or objection against the published content of the media shall be addressed through due process and the concerned regulatory body,” Media Action Nepal said. “Entering a newsroom and seizing technical equipment without following established procedures raises serious concerns regarding democratic norms, press freedom, and constitutional safeguards.”
Media Action Nepal calls upon the Government and law enforcement authorities to uphold newsroom independence, respect the established jurisdiction of Press Council Nepal in media-related matters, and ensure that any intervention is consistent with constitutional and legal safeguards.
Media Action Nepal calls upon the Government and law enforcement authorities to uphold newsroom independence, respect the established jurisdiction of Press Council Nepal in media-related matters, and ensure that any intervention is consistent with constitutional and legal safeguards.