KATHMANDU: Pranesh Gautam, a comedian who has remained in judicial custody for posting a negative review about a Nepali movie on a YouTube channel, is set to appear before the District Court, Kathmandu today.

Gautam was arrested on June 7, two weeks after an FIR was filed against him by Milan Chamling Rai (Chams), the film-maker.

Gautam made the video for Meme Nepal reviewing Cham's new movie "Bir Bikram 2" which Chams found offensive leading him to file a complaint against Gautam.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Uttam Subedi, Chief of Metropolitan Police Range, Kathmandu, Gautam was released on a deed of guarantee (hajiri jamani) last night on the condition that he would appear before the court today.

However, spokesperson at the Metropolitan Crime Division, Superintendent of Police (SP) Kedar Dhakal refuted that Gautam was released. He said Gautam remained in police custody so as to be presented before the court today.

Meanwhile, many comedians, activists and youths have denounced Cham's action, calling it as an attempt to muzzle freedom of expression and abuse of power for personal vendetta.

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