KATHMANDU, JUNE 18
In the hindsight of growing attacks on press in Nepal during an interaction organised by the Mass Communication Committee of the Nepal National Commission for UNESCO at Purna Newa Art Museum Kupondole on Tuesday, experts expressed concern about the government and judicial system's dangerous audacity and attitude towards constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and free press.
They emphasised that the human rights mechanism for freedom of expression lacks mobility, resulting in journalists being harassed as rulers suppress dissenting voices in the Panchayat-Era style.
Senior journalist Namrata Sharma stated that there are increasing threats in the country to journalists. "The global press, however, is no exception," she said.
Dhruba Hari Adhikary, senior journalist, stated that journalism should be pursued responsibly. "It is high time to review journalistic contributions and responsibilities," he said. "However, we should not forget that our constitution guarantees complete freedom of expression, but there are laws that contradict it and authorities that use it properly."
Laxman Datt Pant, Founding Chair and Executive Director of Media Action Nepal, stated that these incidents are the result of a lack of uniformity in the Sidhakura case, in which the Supreme Court declared it wrong without providing any legal justification. "This is censorship," he said.
Furthermore, the Press Council Nepal's role against Diyopost over the last few years has exacerbated the current situation. "The power centre, which includes the prime minister, former prime ministers, and political leaders, has forgotten that they are attacking constitutionally guaranteed freedoms by suppressing the media under the guise of power ignoring democratic norms," he said.
Similarly, Senior Journalist Krishna Acharya stated, "It is the result of journalists remaining silent during instances of the government abusing ETA against commoners. However, this is a completely false narrative in which media workers believe they are superior to others."
"The state has treated the media as an enemy, which is yet another objectionable state mindset," he said. "Instead, the state should encourage local media."
Shiva Gaule, a senior journalist, stated that it is the press's duty in any democracy to question the government and that we must uphold basic journalism ethics.
"I also found Dil Bhusan Pathak's report erroneous, but what if it wasn't? This would have also drawn attention," he said. "However, Jaybir Deuba chose the wrong path to seek compensation."
Gaule believes that journalists must be responsible and accountable if they report without strong evidence or a credible source.
Another incident in which the Kathmandu District Court ordered the news to be removed demonstrates the "judicial system carries a scary confidence and attitude against press and freedom".
Thus, the Press should come together by internalising principles of furnishing an apology in case of mistakes and tackle such situations in unison, he said.
Similarly, Kiran Nepal, Editor of the Centre For Investigative Journalism Nepal, stated that the Kathmandu District Court's decision against Bizmandu and Nepal Khabar is more concerning and frightening than Pathak's case. Pathak, on the other hand, cannot be imprisoned for providing a poor report. "Not only Pathak, but anyone should be jailed in accordance with the law," he said.
Even Pathak's case appears to be tainted by the influence of Jaybir Deuba's powerful parents and politicians. "But the media cannot avoid its responsibility and accountability," he said.
Pratik Pradhan, Editor in Chief of baahrakhari.com, stated that the state apparatus should understand the distinction between public and private individuals. "Jaybir Deuba, as the son of a former five-time prime minister and current foreign minister, is naturally a public figure."
UNESCO programme officer Nirjana Sharma stated that UNESCO has been closely monitoring and documenting the growing trend of journalist harassment using the Electronic Transaction Act (ETA) 2008.
