Date : October 30,2026

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) strongly objects to the Nepal Police entering newsrooms and arresting journalists in a blatant interference with press freedom.

Journalist Bishwamani Subedi from Nepal Press, Shobharaj Baral from Motivate News, and Dhiraj Basnet, Editor-in-Chief of DNA Khabar, have been unlawfully arrested. Similarly, the Federation condemns and expresses its strong disapproval of the attempt to arrest Nawaraj Mainali, a journalist with Naya Patrika Daily, from his office.

Police personnel who came to arrest Mainali remained at the office from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. However, they withdrew following pressure from FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal and others. The journalists who had been detained were also released on Friday evening. The Federation has also received information that surveillance is being carried out to arrest Sudip Bishwakarma, a journalist with Diyo Post.

Creating an atmosphere of state terror instead of seeking solutions through due legal procedures in cases involving news content is unacceptable. The Federation maintains that such actions are contrary to international laws relating to freedom of the press and expression, the Constitution, and prevailing laws.

The Federation strongly condemns the arbitrary actions taken by the police under the protection of state power, disregarding even the jurisdiction of the Press Council Nepal. It calls upon all journalists to continue exercising press freedom without fear and to remain vigilant against state intimidation. The Federation also warns that it will launch a strong movement against such acts of harassment and intimidation.

Ram Prasad Dahal

General Secretary