Date: July 3, 2026

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed grave concern over a press release issued by the Chulachuli Rural Municipality in Ilam, which aims to restrict journalists from public spaces.

According to the Ilam branch of the Federation, the release issued by the rural municipality on July 1, 2026, bans video recording, content creation, and reporting within public spaces under its jurisdiction.

Disseminating news and information on matters of public interest is a constitutionally guaranteed right of journalists. The Federation maintains that this step, taken in total disregard of these rights, is a direct violation of press freedom and the Constitution. The Federation strongly condemns this action.

Furthermore, the Federation urges the relevant authorities to immediately rectify this decision and create an environment that allows journalists to exercise their constitutional rights.

Ram Prasad Dahal

Secretary General