Journalist arrested for reporting, released after two days
Media Action Nepal | October 21: Bijay Shah, Editor-in-Chief of Dastak Khabar, a local online news portal in Siraha District, Madhesh Province, was arrested by police on October 18 for reporting on vulgarity at a cultural programme. Shah was taken into custody at 2 p.m. from his office in Lahan Municipality and released on the afternoon of October 20, after spending two days in detention.
Talking to Media Action Nepal after his release, Shah said, “A police team led by DSP Bishnu Prasad Soti in Siraha’s Lahan arrested me without any formal complaint and subjected me to psychological pressure.” He also revealed that his phone was seized by the police and has not yet been returned. “They said I would get my phone back once the case is resolved,” Shah added.
Media Action Nepal has expressed deep concern over the incident, condemning it as an abuse of authority. “This is a clear attack on independent press and an attempt to stifle democracy through intimidation,” said Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal.
Featured photo: Bjay Sha’s Facebook
