August 26,2026

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) draws serious attention to the incident in which Member of Parliament Dhanendra Bahadur Karki (Sindhuli Constituency No. 1) filed a defamation complaint with the Nepal Police against journalist Nabin Shrestha over views expressed on social media.

According to the FNJ Sindhuli Chapter, journalist Shrestha was called in and interrogated for two hours at the District Police Office in Sindhuli on August 25 (Bhadra 9) after he publicly criticized and questioned MP Karki on social media regarding his appointment of 16 secretariat members. The police have reportedly issued a order requiring him to report back on Wednesday.

The Constitution of Nepal guarantees the fundamental right of every citizen and journalist to express opinions and hold public figures accountable. Taking such repressive measures against a journalist for exercising this constitutional right is deeply condemnable and objectionable. The Federation strongly denounces this action.

The Federation believes that instigating criminal proceedings to intimidate a journalist—rather than seeking resolution through legal, established avenues (such as the Press Council) or constructive dialogue derides the constitutionally guaranteed press freedom, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.

Therefore, the FNJ demands an impartial investigation into the matter and strongly urges all concerned authorities and parties to immediately withdraw the attempted criminal charges pressed against the journalist simply for expressing his views.

Ram Prasad Dahal

General Secretary