FNJ Koshi Province Launches Protest Against ‘Bill Restricting Press Freedom’

Biratnagar – The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Koshi Province has started a protest against the “Koshi Province Mass Communication Bill 2081.”

The FNJ announced the protest on Monday after preparations were made to pass the bill, which includes strict provisions for penalties and fines for journalists. The federation stated that the bill goes against the spirit of the constitution and curtails press freedom, demanding immediate amendments.

The FNJ has announced protest programs up to Bhadra 13.

Protest Programs:

Bhadra 9 (Today): Awareness posts on social media.
Bhadra 10: Meetings with the Chief Minister, ministers, and party leaders to draw attention to amendments.
Bhadra 11: Sending messages to provincial assembly members.
Bhadra 12: One-hour sit-in in front of the Chief Minister’s Office and District Administration Offices.
Bhadra 13: One-hour sit-in at Devkota Chowk, Biratnagar, at 1 PM.

94 Incidents of Press Freedom Violations Recorded in Nepal in One Year

KATHMANDU – The Press Council Nepal has released a record of press freedom-related incidents based on complaints registered with the council and its regular monitoring.

According to the council, monitoring conducted between July 17, 2024, and mid-July 2025 documented 94 cases of press freedom violations.

The data shows that threats and harassment were the most frequent types of violations. A total of 106 journalists — 96 men and 10 women — were found to be victims during this period.

Bill to curb freedom of press and expression will not be passed – Gagan Thapa

Kathmandu – Speaking about the social media bill brought by the government to curb freedom of press and expression, Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has said that no law to curb freedom of press and expression will be passed as long as the Congress remains in power in Nepali politics.

Speaking at the first meeting of the Arghakhanchi-Kathmandu Liaison Committee in Kathmandu, General Secretary Thapa also said that as long as the Congress remains in power, there will be no need to worry much about protecting the right to freedom of expression of citizens.

‘No law can be passed by the current parliament that curtails freedom of expression. The Congress is currently the largest party in the country. We are clear on the issue of press freedom, democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. These are the basic values ​​of the Nepali Congress. The Congress cannot back down from these issues,’ he said. He urged everyone to be confident in the matter, saying that as long as the Congress is in power or in opposition, no law can and will be made that would conflict with these issues.