Who ordered the police crackdown on journalists?
Summary
Nepal Police, the home ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office are denying responsibility after plainclothes officers entered media houses to detain journalists and question them about their sources. The operation triggered widespread criticism and renewed concern over press freedom and constitutional rights.
Key Points
- Plainclothes police entered several media offices on Friday and detained journalists in an apparent attempt to identify their sources.
- Nepal Police said the action followed concerns raised by the Prime Minister’s Office, while the office denied prior knowledge and said Prime Minister Balendra Shah ordered the journalists’ release.
- Press Council chair Umesh Shrestha and other critics said the operation encroached on the council’s jurisdiction and violated press freedom.
- Reports indicate the police action was linked to stories about Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki and leaked information about Supreme Court Justice Hari Phuyal.
