Date: October 17, 2026

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed serious concern over the arrest of Kishor Shrestha, Editor-in-Chief of Janaastha Weekly, by police following a complaint filed with the Cyber Bureau by Himesh Pant, a leader of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party and an artist.

Janaastha Weekly had published a news report concerning allegations that Pant had encroached upon 10 ropanis of a neighbor’s land in Dhading. Acting on a complaint related to the same issue, a police team led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Santosh Khadka arrested Shrestha today from his residence in Nakkhu, Lalitpur.

The FNJ maintains that arresting a journalist through the Cyber Bureau, rather than seeking a resolution through established legal procedures when there are objections to a news report, is contrary to press freedom and the Constitution. The Federation believes that this incident ridicules democratic values and norms, as well as universally recognized principles of a free press.

The FNJ expresses its deep regret and strongly condemns this arbitrary action carried out under the backing of state power, which it says also encroaches upon the jurisdiction of the Press Council Nepal.

The Federation calls on the government to correct such anti-press practices and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Shrestha. It also urges the concerned parties to seek resolution through the appropriate authorities if they have grievances regarding the published news.

Furthermore, the FNJ urges Press Council Nepal to play an effective role in safeguarding its jurisdiction.

Ram Prasad Dahal
General Secretary