Opinion | When power swells, does dissent shrink?
Summary
A growing culture of self-censorship and silencing dissent is emerging amidst Nepal's new neocon government holding a super-majority, raising concerns about democratic health and freedom of expression.
Key Points
- Nepal’s newly elected government with nearly two-thirds majority suppresses dissent and fosters self-censorship among politicians and media.
- The internal fracture within the CPN-UML and cautious distancing from controversial statements reflects fear in political ranks.
- Media outlets oscillate between courage and fear, with some silenced by attacks and government pressures.
- In an environment of manufactured consent, individual citizens and informal collectives bear the burden of dissent and truth-telling.
