KATHMANDU, Sep 7: Former presidents, office-bearers, and central members of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), an umbrella organization of all journalists in Nepal, have exerted pressure on the government, demanding the immediate reopening of social media platforms.
The journos have also called for a protest on Sunday at 2 PM at Maitighar Mandala. They have called on all those in favor of press freedom and civil liberties to participate in the protest.
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They have suggested the government form a study task force, including stakeholders and experts, to find a long-term and legal solution for regulating social media, rathar than such hasty decission to impose blanket ban on all ‘unregistered’ social media.
“We strongly urge the government to immediately lift the ban on social media and respect freedom of expression and citizens' rights,” the press release stated. It further said, “We are seriously concerned by the government's restrictions on social media platforms. The ban, imposed under the pretext of a lack of registration, has severely undermined press freedom, freedom of expression, and citizens' rights in Nepal,” the statement added.
Nepal's Constitution guarantees the right to press freedom, communication rights, and the right to information through Articles 17, 19, and 27.
Any action curtailing constitutional rights and prohibiting freedom of expression also contradicts globally accepted democratic norms and several international laws to which our country is a party.
The government’s decision has disrupted communication between millions of Nepali citizens living abroad and their families.
