Kathmandu, October 31: Journalists staged a protest at Maitighar in Kathmandu early this (Saturday) morning, defying the rain, to condemn police raids on media houses and the arrest of a journalist directly from a newsroom.
The protest was organized at the call of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ). Journalists displayed placards expressing their objection to the government’s policies, which they said were against press freedom. The FNJ had called for a silent demonstration against the arrest of journalists, raids on media houses, and activities aimed at intimidating journalists.
Despite the heavy rain, journalists took part in the demonstration, demanding the protection of press freedom, the safety of journalists, and an end to interference in the media.
The protest was addressed by Ramesh Bista, former Senior Vice-President and adviser to the Federation of Nepali Journalists, and journalist Devendra Chudal, among others.
Addressing the gathering, former Senior Vice-President Bista said attempts were being made to intimidate the Nepali press. He said journalists had been arrested in a manner resembling abduction in an attempt to pressure them into revealing their news sources. Such actions, he said, were contrary to international norms concerning press freedom and the constitution of Nepal.
Claiming that the government’s recent actions had themselves demonstrated the truthfulness of the published news reports, Bista made it clear that the Nepali press would stand united in confronting such activities. He also warned the government to immediately stop interfering with press freedom and engaging in activities intended to intimidate journalists.
On Friday, police entered the newsroom of Nepal Press and arrested journalist Bishwamani Subedi. Similarly, police visited media houses, including Naya Patrika, and attempted to carry out arrests. Following widespread protests, journalist Subedi, who had been detained, was released within a few hours.
Stating that he had been among those who fought for press freedom and the Constitution, Subedi said that he had now reached a situation where he was being handcuffed. He said press freedom had been violated. He demanded action against the person who had ordered the arrest of the journalist.
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