KATHMANDU, April 30: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has urged the organizations, individuals and law enforcement agencies concerned to adhere to press freedom for any communication content disputes.
According to a press statement issued by the FNJ, the Nepali journalists’ umbrella organization has closely monitored the recent developments surrounding the 'The Dark File' series aired on SiddhaKura.com Online and YouTube channel, including the actions taken by the Supreme Court and its latest order given in that matter.
The press statement reads, “The Constitution of Nepal guarantees complete freedom of the press and stipulates that no content can be banned before publication. Based on this constitutional provision, the FNJ firmly believes that nobody can and should limit the wide scope of Nepal's press and editorial freedom.”
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“In this regard, it is our opinion that the order to remove the content without further investigation is contrary to the constitutional ethos. The SC’s directive to refrain from producing or broadcasting content until a final decision is reached undermines the fundamental principles of press freedom,” further reads the statement.
The FNJ mentions that any citizen who is not satisfied with the media content can seek the path of judicial resolution. “It has its own method and practice. Disregarding the prevailing method and practice, it is completely wrong for anyone to resort to criminal law enforcement for communication content disputes that sets a dangerous precedent, posing a significant threat to press freedom,” the press statement reads.
The FNJ asserts that the regulation of media content should fall under the purview of the Press Council. The FNJ has urged the Press Council to fulfill its responsibilities seriously under all circumstances.
Even though the matter regarding a content published on SiddhaKura.com has reached the Supreme Court, the FNJ is determined that this issue should be resolved in such a way that it does not harm the ethos of the Constitution of Nepal, preserve the popular recognition and practice of freedom of the press and foster editorial freedom.
In any media, the full responsibility for verifying the accuracy of the published content lies with the respective media outlet. The FNJ has also called on Siddha Kura.com to adhere fully to the journalistic code of conduct.
