The Digital Media Committee at the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), the Online Journalists Association of Nepal (OJAN) and the Internet Society, Nepal Chapter (ISOC) issued a joint statement expression deep concern over the arbitrary blocking of several news websites and issuance of a communiqué requiring compulsory government registration of news websites.[break]
“We believe the real motives behind the actions taken were to control the new media and hinder the free flow of information by refusing to ensure the democratic and pluralistic media environment,” the statement said.
The organizations said the arbitrary blocking of websites amounts to violation of the fundamental human rights of Sri Lankan citizens on access of information and express dissenting opinions.
“We believe that such action is only the state’s effort to suppress the media freedom and thereby strongly condemn the action,” the release added.
The organizations demanded immediate end the blockings and withdrawal of the notice.
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