Date: August 13, 2026

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed serious concern over the arrest of senior journalist Kishor Shrestha by the police regarding a news-related issue. On the night of Saun 27 (August 11) at around 9:00 PM, a team from the Kathmandu Police Range arrested Shrestha, Editor-in-Chief of Jana Aastha Weekly and former Acting Chairperson of Press Council Nepal, from his residence in Lalitpur. Furthermore, information has been received that immediately following the arrest, police searched his residence at around 1:00 AM last night and his office early this morning in pursuit of the news source.

The appropriate body with jurisdiction over news-related grievances is Press Council Nepal. The Federation firmly holds that using state machinery to misuse authority and target journalist Shrestha in this manner violates freedom of the press and expression, the Journalist Code of Conduct, and the Constitution. The Federation believes that this incident serves as a blow to democratic values and universally accepted principles of a free press.

FNJ condemns this arbitrary approach by the government and expresses severe regret. Demanding an immediate, unconditional release of journalist Shrestha and respect for press freedom, the Federation urges relevant authorities to rectify such anti-press behavior and resolve any news-related grievances through the appropriate channels via Press Council Nepal. Additionally, the Federation urges Press Council Nepal to play an effective role in asserting and safeguarding its jurisdictional authority.

Ram Prasad Dahal

General Secretary