What happens when press freedom meets right to privacy
Summary
The arrest of journalist Kishor Shrestha has sparked a debate over press freedom, privacy, and whether alleged privacy violations should be handled by the Press Council or through criminal law. The case centers on a Jana Aastha report about a lawmaker and has drawn criticism from journalists, legal experts, and the National Women Commission.
Key Points
- Kishor Shrestha, editor-in-chief of Jana Aastha weekly, was arrested after a complaint alleging an offence against personal privacy over a report published on August 5.
- The Federation of Nepali Journalists says the matter should have been handled by Press Council Nepal, while legal experts say some privacy violations can fall under criminal law.
- The article examines Nepal’s Privacy Act, the Press Council Act and the Constitution in relation to the conflict between press freedom and personal privacy.
- Police also searched the Jana Aastha office and seized computers and a mobile phone, adding to questions about the state’s response.
