The Federal Parliament Secretariat suspended press passes of journalists Prakash Oli and Kishor Kumar Shrestha for questioning Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli within the parliament premises. A press pass is an official card issued by the secretariat, granting journalists access to the media center for reporting.
Journalists Oli and Shrestha are associated with online media Sunaulo Nepal and Yuva Man Nepal, which broadcast on YouTube.
Journalists duo were suspended for one month citing the use of inappropriate language while questioning the Prime Minister about cases of corruption discussed during parliamentary session on February 16. The secretariat has instructed the journalists to return their press passes today (March 5), stating that their behavior violated parliamentary etiquette.
In a video posted on the chanel Sunaulo Nepal TV on February 16, journalists referred to questions asked to the PM during the session questioning whether he was a Hitler.
Freedom Forum strongly condemns the secretariat’s decision as it is a serious violation of press freedom and citizens' right to information. Press Council Nepal is an authorized regulatory body to monitor code of conduct of the journalists and media. Hence, Freedom Forum urges the concerned authorities to consult the council before taking such decision and also calls on journalists to follow the code of conduct while reporting.
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