FNJ concerned over SC verdict sentencing journalists of ‘Sidhakura’ to jail

KATHMANDU, Sept 30: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed concern over the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to sentence publisher Yuvraj Kandel and Editor Nabin Dhungana of Sidhakura.com to jail for contempt of court.

Publishing a statement on Monday, the FNJ expressed concerns over the SC's decision, stating the court still ruled against the journalists in spite of the media organization’s removal of the incorrect news and ensuing apology. The news portal had already acknowledged that it made a mistake by trusting the source. 

The statement highlighted that journalists are not provided with mechanisms, such as laboratories, to test the accuracy of the information received from sources. The FNJ also maintained that any dissatisfaction with media content should be resolved through the existing legal framework, either via the Press Council of Nepal or the court.

Similarly, the federation has called on the government, judiciary, and other parties concerned to remain serious about upholding the full press freedom guaranteed by the constitution and the universal principles of freedom of press and expression.

The FNJ also urged journalists and media outlets to adhere strictly to the code of ethics, ensuring that all news is truthful, factual, and impartial.

Earlier on Sunday, the SC found Dhungana, Publisher Yuvraj Kandel and the source of the news Rajkumar Timalsina guilty of contempt of court. A full bench sentenced Kandel and Dhungana to three months, and Timalsina to six months of jail term. The court ruled that the website’s repeated dissemination of unverified and false information amounted to a serious obstruction of justice by undermining the integrity of the judiciary and spreading unsubstantiated rumors about the court and its judges.

Following the Supreme Court's decision, Dhungana and Kandel were sent to the Central Jail, Jagannathdewal in Kathmandu, on Sunday.