Press Freedom Violations Increase in Nepal, Federation Expresses Concern

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all working journalists, professional media houses, and all citizens who advocate for freedom of thought and expression in Nepal. May this day inspire us to fight relentlessly for press and freedom of expression and for the welfare of working journalists. The Federation reiterates its commitment to remain continuously active in defense of the citizens' right to speak in the days to come.

Historically, whenever there has been an attempt by any state organ, level, or any other organized and unorganized sector to curtail or control press and freedom of expression, we have strongly resisted. The Federation is clear that such resistance may be required again. It is a matter of serious concern for us that even a decade after the implementation of the democratic constitution, incidents of press freedom violations are increasing in the country.

The observance of World Press Freedom Day began in 1991 with a UNESCO seminar held in Windhoek, Namibia. That seminar issued the 'Windhoek Declaration'. Remembering this declaration, the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, on UNESCO's recommendation, decided to observe May 3 as 'World Press Freedom Day'. Since then, this day has been celebrated worldwide every year on May 3 with the objective of protecting and promoting press freedom.  

According to the data collected by the Federation's Media Monitoring Unit from May 4, 2025, to April 30, 2026, there have been 131 incidents of press freedom violations this year.

This year's World Press Freedom Day theme is 'Building a Peaceful Future: Promoting Freedom of Expression in the Service of Peace, Reconciliation and Nation-Building'. UNESCO is celebrating this year's event in Lusaka, Zambia, with various programs on May 4 and 5. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is celebrating this day at a conference where journalists from around the world will participate in its General Assembly in Paris from May 4 to May 7.

The Federation is also organizing a rally from Maitighar Mandala with the participation of various professional organizations active in the fields of democracy, press and freedom of expression, and journalist safety. In recent times, the Federation understands that the government's discriminatory treatment in government advertisements, the curtailment of welfare advertisements, and the imposition of restrictions on freedom of expression are processes that are happening.

According to the data collected by the Federation's Media Monitoring Unit from May 4, 2025, to April 30, 2026, there have been 131 incidents of press freedom violations this year. Last year, there were 73 such incidents. The year before that, there were 62. A comparative analysis shows that the statistics indicate an increasing trend in press freedom violations this year.

Among the 131 incidents of press freedom violations in the last year, there are 51 incidents of mistreatment and threats against journalists. Similarly, there are 30 incidents of attacks on journalists and media content. Professional insecurity accounts for 18 incidents, and occupation and obstruction account for 26 incidents. Policy restrictions account for 3 incidents, 2 journalists were arrested, and the suspicious death of 1 journalist has been recorded.

During the Genji movement on Bhadra 23, 2082, 26 incidents of press freedom violations occurred, directly affecting more than one hundred journalists and media houses. On the 23rd and 24th, during the violent incidents, media houses were set on fire, looted, and vandalized.

The damage to institutional property in the incident is estimated to be around 600 million rupees, while the damage to the private property of journalists and media entrepreneurs is estimated to be around 180 million rupees. Five journalists were injured by gunshots.

However, the sudden Genji rebellion and the subsequent political change led to the dissolution of the Federal Parliament itself.

Media houses such as Public Service Broadcasting Nepal, Radio Nepal, Nepal Television, Kantipur Publication, Annapurna Post, Thaha Khabar, Radio Jagaran in Butwal, Nepalvani FM and Ilam Express in Ilam, various media houses in Chitwan, and the Federation's branch office in Saptari were set on fire, vandalized, and looted.

Policy-wise, attempts to curtail press freedom were also made last year. Despite the Federation's protests, bills related to the Media Council, social media operation and regulation, and the Information Technology Act, among other media-related bills, were under discussion in the committees of the Federal Parliament.

However, the sudden Genji rebellion and the subsequent political change led to the dissolution of the Federal Parliament itself. Some provisions of the regulations related to printing and publication introduced by the interim government formed thereafter appear to affect press freedom.

Overall, this year has seen an increase in press freedom violations and inactivity in legal and policy reforms. The Federation concludes that press freedom is becoming more challenging due to impunity for crimes against journalists, a decline in the economic condition of media, and risks to the professional and physical security of journalists.

Therefore, addressing the economic crisis in the media sector, journalist exodus, the ban on government advertisements and information in private media, and defending against the increasing misinformation on social media are challenges facing the Federation. A new government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party was formed after the House of Representatives elections held on Falgun 21, 2082. However, the Federation is skeptical whether this government will protect the freedom of press and expression guaranteed in the constitution, ensure the fundamental rights of the people, and preserve democratic culture.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Federation once again extends its greetings to all media professionals and advocates for press and freedom of expression. Therefore, in this current situation where press freedom is becoming increasingly complex, the Federation expects solidarity from various professional organizations and civil society leaders across the country to protect freedom of expression.

(Sharma is the President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists.)