A social activist Ek Bahadur KC was arrested for his statement on social media against local development activities on September 27. KC is in a detention of the District Police Office, Baglung.
During an interview with an online TV, KC gave critical opinion about the Baglung Buspark which could not come into operation even after inauguration. He said that if the government fails to operate the bus park within a month, locals will protest and destroy the inscription carrying Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey's name. The inauguration was held on September 3.
In response to his statement, the Baglung Municipality chief Basanta Shrestha lodged a complaint against KC at the District Police office Baglung on September 10. Then, the police issued arrest warrant against KC on September 11 reasoning offense.
According to police sources, KC is accused of disturbing social harmony through social media as per the complaint filed by the Baglung Municipality, and his detention period is extended by 5 days.
Assistant Chief District Officer, Chitrangat Baral, has said that the administration is unaware of the case and that the actions taken against KC are unjust.
KC's arrest under alleged cybercrime charge for his statement online is a gross violation of freedom of expression. A responsible citizen has every right to question the government's activities of public concern. Arresting the citizen under cybercrime charge for mere exercise of free expression is an absolute misuse of Electronic Transaction Act, 2008. The incident is also sheer misuse of authority to supress citizen's voice.
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