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Press Freedom Report: Press Freedom Violation Increases in the Year 2024
2024 was a challenging year for press freedom and journalist safety in Nepal. The year saw numerous incidents of journalists being threatened, arrested, and killed for reporting news and seeking information.
According to media monitoring by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), 60 incidents of press freedom violations were recorded in 2024, showing an increase from 58 incidents in 2023 and 53 in 2022. These 60 incidents affected 34 female journalists, 113 male journalists, and 13 media organizations.
The murder of Suresh Bhul, Joint Secretary of the National Dalit Journalist Association, Kailali, appears to have been a targeted killing, based on the initial investigation. Additionally, journalist Gopal Dahal of Dharan, Sunsari faced death threats for reporting news, prompting the FNJ to deploy a media mission. The FNJ strongly condemns such acts of threats, arrests, and mistreatment of journalists by individuals in leadership positions. These actions are not only reprehensible but also pose a grave threat to democracy.
In 2024, no significant progress was made on press-related laws. The long-awaited Media Council Bill remains incomplete. Meanwhile, the government is preparing to introduce the Information Technology Bill and Social Media (Usage and Regulation) Bill. The federation has consistently urged the government to develop media laws in accordance with constitutional principles.
The FNJ remains committed to protecting press freedom, freedom of expression, and the physical and professional safety of journalists. The federation strongly urges the government to investigate all cases of press freedom violations and hold perpetrators accountable through legal action. Additionally, the FNJ calls on the government to ensure that new press-related legislation aligns with universal press freedom principles and constitutional provisions. The FNJ extends New Year 2025 wishes to all journalists, media personnel, and the Nepali people.
The incidents of press freedom violations in 2024 are as follows:
|
SN. |
Incidents |
Incident No. |
Victim Female |
Victim Male |
Organization/Media Materials |
|
1 |
Killed |
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
Missing |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
Arrest |
3 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
4 |
Seizure/Obstruction |
4 |
|
1 |
13 |
|
5 |
Attack |
11 |
2 |
13 |
|
|
6 |
Misbehave/Threat |
25 |
5 |
30 |
|
|
7 |
Displacement |
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
Professional Insecurity |
16 |
26 |
65 |
|
|
9 |
Gender Violence |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
60 |
34 |
113 |
13 |
Source: Federation of Nepali Journalists, Media monitoring unit, December 31, 2024
December 31, 2024