Kathmandu, Nepal - The SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF) has strongly condemned the arrest of senior Nepali journalist and Chief Editor of Jana Aastha Weekly, Kishor Shrestha, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
In a press statement issued on August 13, SJF expressed deep concern over the detention of Shrestha by police authorities in Kathmandu. According to reports, officers from the Kathmandu District Police Range and the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested the veteran journalist on August 12 over allegations related to Nepal’s Privacy Act, 2018.
The regional media organization described the arrest as a serious threat to press freedom, democratic values, and freedom of expression in Nepal and across South Asia. SJF argued that disputes arising from published news reports should be addressed through established media oversight mechanisms, including the Press Council Nepal, or through civil legal procedures rather than criminal detention.
In its statement, the Forum warned that the use of criminal charges against journalists could create a chilling effect on independent journalism and discourage investigative reporting on matters of public interest. The organization emphasized that Nepal’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom, rights that should be respected by all state institutions.
“The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy throughout the SAARC region,” the statement noted, adding that the use of law enforcement mechanisms against journalists over published reports sets a dangerous precedent for media freedom.
The SJF Central Executive Committee issued three key demands:
The Forum also pledged to closely monitor developments in the case and expressed solidarity with Nepal’s media community.
SJF President Raju Lama signed the statement on behalf of the organization and reiterated the Forum’s commitment to defending media freedom and protecting journalists throughout the South Asian region.
