Date: May 25, 2026 

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed serious concern over the police surveillance, attempted arrest, and threats from various individuals directed at senior journalist Kishore Shrestha regarding a published news report.

According to the FNJ Kathmandu Branch, Chief Editor Shrestha has faced this treatment after critical news reports about a minister and leaders of the ruling party were published a few days ago in Jana Aastha Weekly and JanaAastha.com.

Shrestha, who is also a former Chairman of the Press Council Nepal, informed the Federation that activities such as attempts to arrest him, issuing threats, and pressuring him to reveal the source of the news are escalating under the direct instructions of the Prime Minister, who currently holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Federation believes that the treatment meted out to Shrestha solely on the basis of writing a news report is a direct assault on a free press and democracy itself. The Federation vehemently condemns such behavior.

The FNJ demands the concerned parties to rectify such anti-press behavior and to seek remedies through the Press Council Nepal if there are disagreements regarding any published news. Furthermore, the Federation strongly demands that the authorities identify the individuals threatening journalist Shrestha and immediately bring them to justice.

Ram Prasad Dahal

General Secretary