Journalists raise alarm over police intervention and proposed media laws
Summary
The detention of three journalists in Kathmandu has deepened alarm over press freedom and police interference in newsrooms. Media stakeholders also criticized the government’s proposed Media Council Bill and other media laws as attempts to tighten control over the press.
Key Points
- Police detained three journalists after entering newsroom offices in Kathmandu, then released them after a brief period.
- Journalists and media stakeholders say the incidents reflect growing state pressure and threats to press freedom.
- The Federation of Nepali Journalists says the proposed Media Council Bill and related legislation could place the media under government control.
- Former FNJ leaders accused the government of creating fear, interfering with media freedom, and failing to justify police entry into newsrooms.
