Nepal tops South Asia in press freedom index, but risks grow at home
Summary
Nepal ranks highest in South Asia on the 2026 World Press Freedom Index but faces rising threats to journalists including physical attacks and legal pressures.
Key Points
- Nepal ranks 87th globally and highest in South Asia on the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.
- In the past year, Nepal saw 131 incidents of press freedom violations including intimidation, physical attacks, and arrests of journalists.
- The Gen Z protests in September 2025 resulted in 26 violations within two days, with media houses attacked and journalists injured.
- Legal and economic challenges such as restrictive laws and salary delays are increasing pressures on media independence and leading to self-censorship.
