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Kathmandu, Nepal: The SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF) has strongly condemned the arrest of veteran Nepali journalist Kishor Shrestha, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement issued on August 13, the SJF expressed deep concern over Shrestha’s detention by police authorities in Kathmandu on August 12.
According to reports, officers from the Kathmandu District Police Range and the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested Shrestha over allegations related to Nepal’s Privacy Act, 2018.
Shrestha, the chief editor of Jana Aastha Weekly, is a senior figure in Nepal’s media community.
The SJF described the arrest as a serious threat to press freedom, freedom of expression and democratic values in Nepal and the wider South Asian region.
The Forum said disputes arising from published news reports should be dealt with through established media accountability mechanisms, including the Press Council Nepal, or through appropriate civil legal procedures, rather than criminal detention.
It warned that using criminal charges against journalists over their published reports could have a chilling effect on independent journalism and discourage reporters and editors from pursuing investigative stories on matters of public interest.
The SJF stressed that freedom of expression and press freedom are constitutionally guaranteed in Nepal and urged all state institutions to respect and protect those rights.
“The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy throughout the SAARC region,” the Forum said, warning that using law-enforcement mechanisms against journalists over published reports could set a dangerous precedent for media freedom.
The SJF Central Executive Committee made three key demands: The immediate and unconditional release of Kishor Shrestha.
Respect for due process and referral of media-related disputes to appropriate regulatory or legal mechanisms.
Stronger protection for journalists and media workers against intimidation, coercion and political pressure.
The regional journalists’ organisation 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 organisation and reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists across South Asia.
The Forum said any attempt to intimidate journalists through criminal proceedings over their professional work could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and weaken the media’s role as a watchdog.