Kathmandu: Vice President of World Press Council a Senior journalist and editor of Jana Aastha a former acting chairperson of the Press Council Nepal a Kishor Shrestha has been arrested on Wednesday evening from his residence in Nakhkhu, Lalitpur.
Now he is currently being held in the custody of the Kathmandu Police Complex. Police said further investigation would be carried out into the allegations against Shrestha following his arrest.
According to police, an investigation is underway into a complaint filed against him over alleged violation of personal privacy and related matters.
After Shrestha has been arrested, prompting journalists across Nepal to launch protests demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
Journalists and media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom and freedom of expression. They have urged the authorities to release Shrestha unconditionally and respect the constitutional rights of journalists.
Protests and solidarity programs are being organized in different parts of the country, with journalists demanding that the government ensure a safe and independent environment for the press.
The journalism sector has been in turmoil since Shrestha was arrested by the police. Various media-related organisations have strongly protested, saying that he was taken into custody on the basis of publishing news.
Federation of Nepali Journalists President Nirmala Sharma Said “Journalists believe that directly arresting editors instead of seeking a solution through the Press Council Nepal or established legal procedures in case of disagreement or dissatisfaction with the news is a direct interference in press freedom”.
Many Organizations including the Federation have drawn the attention of the government and security agencies, saying that such actions create an environment of fear and pressure on the press.
