The ‘meme Nepal Case’ is on the rise and trending. Social networks have flooded with comments against the lack of freedom of speech and a pledge to free standup comedian Pranesh Gautam, over the days. The story has taken over the editorials of leading online news portals and print media as well. Students demonstrated at Maitighar on Wednesday showing their constant solidarity on the release of Gautam and also freedom of speech.
It all started on May 22, after Gautam posted a review of Nepali film, ‘Bir Bikram 2’ on meme Nepal’s official YouTube channel. The video went viral. However, the makers of the movie showed concerns against the page for making such review. The makers sued the channel for their review four days later.
After a case was filed against meme Nepal for their review of the film, Kathmandu District Court issued an arrest warrant whereby two members of Meme Nepal were taken into police custody. Police arrested Pranesh Gautam and Aadarsh Mishra on June 7. Gautam was detained in custody while Mishra was released on general date.
Police arrests Pranesh Gautam again
A few K-Town celebrities opened up regarding the case. Swastima Khadka said, “Both parties are not totally right. The way the case has been filed against Pranesh is not fair. However, we cannot deny the rant that he made about the actors and plot of the film. So I am not supporting any of the parties involved.”
Actress Barsha Shiwakoti refused to comment on the topic since she was a part of the reviewed film.
Actor Deepak Raj Giri stated that putting Gautam behind bars is inappropriate. However, he is also against the fact that the comedian reviewed the movie. “The way Gautam reviewed the movie is indigestible,” said Giri. He further added, “I don’t think arresting Gautam was a good move on filmmaker Milan Chams’ part since its always better to have a table talk than lodging complaints against Gautam. Likewise, in the case of Gautam’s review, I think Nepal is not modern enough to resist that review. So Gatuam should apologize to the film crew and also the makers in turn should withdraw the case,” said the ‘Chhakka Panja’ actor.
People have posted numerous posts and comments on different social media handles. MyCity has compiled a number of screenshots regarding the issue.
