Date: May 4, 2026 

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has taken serious note of the obstruction faced by journalists while filming video at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

The Federation is deeply concerned by reports that Prime Minister Balendra Shah, while physically present, prevented media persons from capturing video footage during their news-gathering duties for the Council of Ministers meeting on the afternoon of May 4 (Baisakh 21).

According to media personnel on the scene, security forces—acting on the direct orders of the Prime Minister—ordered journalists to stop filming and vacate the area, despite the journalists having been informed by the Prime Minister's Secretariat and filming from the exterior.

The Federation expresses its strong objection to this unseemly behavior directed at journalists and media workers performing their professional duties, especially when such orders come from the head of government, who is responsible for protecting press freedom.

The Federation regrets this action, which undermines the constitutional rights of journalists. Furthermore, we appeal to all journalists and media workers to continue practicing responsible journalism while adhering to the Journalistic Code of Conduct.

Ram Prasad Dahal

General Secretary