Kathmandu, April 19
A prominent international rights watchdog has urged the Nepali government to stop prosecuting journalists and social media users for peaceful reporting and online expression.
In a statement on Friday, Human Rights Watch has also urged the government to review the Electronic Transactions Act, 2006, which has been used by authorities to prosecute online journalists as well as social media users.
“The government of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli should review and reform the Electronic Transactions Act, 2006, which has been repeatedly used to unlawfully muzzle speech, and ensure that any new or revised legislation upholds freedom of expression,” said the rights body.
HRW says that at least six journalists, including Pokhara-based Arjun Giri, have been arrested under the Electronic Transactions Act after the Oli administration came to power in February 2019.
“Nepalis have fought hard for their democratic rights so it’s especially troubling that a government elected on a promise to uphold constitutional freedoms is intimidating and restricting Nepal’s vibrant public discourse,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director. “The government should drop their investigation of Giri and stop harassing people for expressing their peaceful views.”
The HRW has cited two separate reports produced by Freedom Forum and Committee to Protect Journalists which have talked about the violations of press freedom in Nepal since the Oli-led administration came to power in February 2018.
The watchdog has reminded Nepal to adhere to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and respect the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium.
