Withdraw charges against journalist Dahal: Media Action Nepal
KATHMANDU | May 30: Media Action Nepal has expressed strong objection over the criminal charges filed against journalist Prakash Chandra Dahal of Nepal Pukar. The charges of criminal offense and organized crime filed on May 25 by the Kathmandu District Attorney’s Office in relation to the pro-royalist protest in Tinkune, Kathmandu on March 28 are deeply concerning and constitute a direct attack on press freedom. Journalist Dahal was documenting the protest for journalistic purposes and was not physically involved in any violent activity.
Speaking to Media Action Nepal, journalist Prakash Chandra Dahal strongly refuted the criminal charges filed against him, stating that he was present at the protest solely for journalistic purposes. I was there to document the protest, not to support it. My role as a journalist is to inform the public, not to take sides, Dahal said, emphasizing that the video footage he captured was meant for public interest reporting.
Recalling the dangers he faced during the protest, Dahal added, “Had there been an attack on the vehicle I was in, I could have lost my life. I was there to cover the event for the public’s right to know, not to endorse any political agenda. The charges against me are both ridiculous and dangerous. Drawing parallels to the tragic case of fellow journalist Suresh Rajak, Dahal shared that targeting reporters for covering controversial events sets a disturbing precedent. “This is a blatant attempt to criminalize journalism. What message is the state sending? That reporting from the ground is a crime? This is a direct threat to every journalist’s ability to work independently,” he said.
“It is unacceptable that the video footage he captured, intended for his online news portal, is being used as the primary basis to accuse him of serious criminal offenses, including his presence alongside controversial figure Durga Prasai during the incident,” said Laxman Datt Pant, Founder and the Executive Director of Media Action Nepal. Framing a journalist for performing their duty, recording events on the ground is a dangerous precedent, Pant added.
Framing a journalist for performing their duty, recording events on the ground is a dangerous precedent, Pant added.
Media Action Nepal calls on the Government of Nepal to respect press freedom, uphold fundamental rights, and immediately drop the baseless and politically motivated charges against journalist Dahal. The targeting of Dahal is not just an attack on an individual but a threat to the independent media.