Media Action Nepal concerned over violations of online expression in Nepal
KATHMANDU/ August 13: Media Action Nepal, a leading media rights CSO in Nepal, has expressed its profound concern over the escalating incidents of harassments and threats against journalists and violations of online expression in Nepal.
In recent weeks, Nepal has witnessed a disturbing surge in harassments and threats by authorities and regulatory bodies targeting journalists of their critical social media posts. These threats not only endanger the lives of journalists but also undermine the very essence of a democratic society, stated Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal. Critical voice is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and these threats strike at the heart of this crucial democratic value, Pant added.
These threats not only endanger the lives of journalists but also undermine the very essence of a democratic society, stated Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal. Critical voice is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and these threats strike at the heart of this crucial democratic value, Pant added.
The issuance of arrest warrant against RK Adipta Giri for his critical post on social media on August 8 by District Police Office of Parbat district in Gandaki Province is an utter violation of freedom of expression, stated Pant. Giri, an activist and photojournalist, who has been writing on encroachment of the river in the district, shared critical posts on his social media on alleged engagement of journalists and authorities in exploitation of the river.
Similarly, on the same day, the District Administration Office in Saptari district of Madhesh province has issued an information prohibiting journalists and general people from capturing photos and videos at public places. Citing that that the privacy of the employees and security sensitivity of the office has been violated by journalists and general public who took photos and videos inside the office premises without permission and posted them on social media and online news portals, the Assistant Chief District Officer Levan Kashyap Adhikari warned that ‘action will be taken according to the existing law if any activity is found contrary to this notification’.
In an another disturbing incident on July 25, Press Council Nepal, the media regulatory body responsible for enforcing journalist’s code of conduct, intimidated Madhav Prasad Tiwari, a Kathmandu based journalist over his social media post. Directing him to submit a written clarification within three days over his social media post, the Council bullied Tiwari for his concern over misuse of the Council authority by outsiders on matters related to listing of online news portals at the Council and the Department of Information and Broadcasting.
While the social media platforms in Nepal remain vital spaces for citizens to voice their opinions on matters of public interest, the recent incidents of digital surveillance infringe upon citizens’ right to express freely and access information without fear, the statement reads.
While the social media platforms in Nepal remain vital spaces for citizens to voice their opinions on matters of public interest, the recent incidents of digital surveillance infringe upon citizens’ right to express freely and access information without fear.
Media Action Nepal has called on police authorities of Nepal to respect the right to freedom of expression and not to misuse the controversial clause 47 of the Electronic Transaction Act. “The Press Council Nepal should look into the journalistic content purely based on the Code of Conduct it enforces for journalists and media houses, rather than bullying journalists over their critical posts on social media.” The actions of police and administrative authorities, and the Press Council in these cases are against the right to freedom of expression.
