Opinion | The state has started suppressing the media. The future appears bleak
Summary
Journalists in Nepal are facing harassment and censorship as the government restricts media freedom through police intimidation, military warnings, and economic control, threatening the nation's democratic transparency.
Key Points
- Reporter Daya Dudraj was physically harassed by municipal police while documenting eviction cases in Kirtipur.
- Nepali Army issued warnings against alleged misleading content on social and mass media, threatening legal action.
- Government led by Balendra Shah is bypassing parliamentary debate by using ordinances that weaken institutional checks and balances.
- A government circular mandates all public advertisements be routed through state-owned media, depriving private outlets of vital revenue.
