December 31, 2025

2025 was a very terrible year in terms of press freedom violations. According to the monitoring conducted by the Federation of Nepali Journalists, 139 incidents of press freedom violations were recorded in 2025. Of which 218 journalists and media personnel and 31 media houses were directly affected. 60 incidents of press freedom violations were recorded last year and 58 in 2023. When compared to the data of 2024, there is an increase of about threefold in 2025.
This year, two journalists died under suspicious circumstances. On March 28, Avenues journalist Suresh Rajak died of burns while reporting on the protests in Tinkune. The death of journalist Ajay Gorkhali and the subsequent public photos, videos and eyewitness accounts suggest that his death is also shrouded in mystery, according to the Chitwan branch of the Federation.

This year, the government tried to make some legal provisions to restrict freedom of the press and expression, while some laws suspended constitutional rights such as registration and renewal of media outlets for some time. The government amended the Printing Press and Publication Act, 2048 BS and brought in harsh measures, while it made the undemocratic decision to close 26 popular social media networks in Nepal, including Facebook.
During the Genji movement on Bhadra 23, more than 100 journalists and media houses were directly affected by 26 incidents of press freedom violations. Media houses were arsoned, looted, and vandalized during the Genji movement and the violent incident on Bhadra 24. The incident caused damage worth about 600 million rupees to the institutional sector, while the private property of journalists and media entrepreneurs was damaged by 180 million rupees. Five journalists were injured by bullets. Public Service Broadcasting Nepal, Radio Nepal, Nepal Television, Kantipur Publication, Annapurna Post, Thaha Khabar, Radio Jagran in Butwal, Nepalvani FM and Ilam Express in Ilam, various media houses in Chitwan, and the Federation branch office in Saptari were set on fire and looted.

While the Media Council Bill, Social Media Operation and Regulation Bill, and Information Technology Act, among other media-related bills under consideration in the Federal Parliament, were being progressed through various committees amid the Federation's disagreement, the sudden Genji Rebellion and subsequent political changes led to the dissolution of the Federal Parliament. Some provisions in the regulations on printing presses and publications brought by the government have been seen to affect press freedom.

Overall, the Federation believes that press freedom has become increasingly challenging this year due to the increase in incidents of press freedom violations, as well as various movements, inaction in law and policy reforms, the growing influence of populist politics in journalism, indifference to impunity for crimes against journalists, the gradual decline in the financial condition of the media, and risks to the professional and physical safety of journalists.

Therefore, the Federation faces challenges such as the financial crisis and sustainability of the media sector, journalist exodus, and the growing spread of misinformation on social media. At a time when the constitution has been violated and a non-parliamentary government has been formed, the election of the House of Representatives has been announced for the upcoming Falgun 21. The Federation hopes that the election will be held in a peaceful environment and that the country will move forward on the democratic path again. And it calls on the press world and stakeholders to be aware of possible violations of press freedom during the election.

The Federation expresses its commitment to advocate, warn and agitate for the protection of press freedom and the rights of journalists when necessary. On the occasion of 2026, the Federation family extends its warmest wishes to its members, all journalists and media workers, and the Nepali people. It hopes that there will be a significant decrease in the incidents of press freedom violations in the coming year.

The incidents of press freedom violations in 2025 are as follows

S.N                                  No. of incidents        Victims Female        Victims Male             Media organizations                  Media materials
1 Murder                                      2                                                           2
2 Disappearance                          –                    –                                 –                             –                                                  –
3 Arrest                                        2                      1                               1
4 Occupy/obstruction                 19                      1                               20                               11
5 Attack/vandalism/arson            42                    3                               73                               15                                               18
6 Abuse/threat                             53                    4                               70                              5
7 Displacement                            1                        1
8 Occupational insecurity             18                   12                             30
9 Gender-based violence             –                       –                            –                                    –                                                –
10 Policy restrictions                      2
Total incidents                            139                   21                          197                                  31

Source: Federation of Nepali Journalists, Media Monitoring Unit. 31 December 2025