Kathmandu, August 13: The World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) has expressed concern over the arrest of journalist and its Vice President, Kishor Shrestha and urged the Government of Nepal, Nepal Police and concerned authorities to release him immediately.
In a statement issued by Council President David Omwoyo, the WAPC said that Shrestha is an experienced journalist who has been active in the Nepali media sector for a long time, and that his arrest raises questions beyond the individual case about the state of independent news reporting and editorial decision-making in journalism.
President Omwoyo said that the arrest of a journalist over published content is a matter of concern for a democratic society committed to freedom of expression and independent media.
“The arrest of a journalist because of published content should be a matter of concern for every democracy committed to freedom of expression and a free press,” Omwoyo said. “Journalism carries responsibilities, including respect for privacy and factual accuracy. However, such matters should be addressed through established procedures and professional and legal mechanisms.”
The Council has also urged that any investigation or complaint against Shrestha be pursued through a transparent, impartial and due legal process. It has further called on the Government of Nepal to respect the constitutional protection of freedom of expression and press freedom, and to use press councils, media regulatory bodies and judicial mechanisms to resolve disputes concerning published content.
The Council also stressed that journalists should not be subjected to intimidation, unnecessary detention or criminal pressure simply for carrying out their professional and editorial responsibilities. It said an environment should be created in which journalists can fearlessly question those in power, pursue news stories and conduct investigations.
The World Association of Press Councils expressed solidarity with the efforts of Nepali journalists and media organizations to promote press freedom, editorial independence and responsible journalism.
People’s News Monitoring Service.
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