Nepal Police issued an arrest warrant under cybercrime charges against journalist Basudev Dhami in Kanchanpur, Sudurpaschim Province on April 23. Dhami is the publisher of Paschimkhabar.com.
According to Freedom Forum's representative for Sudurpaschim Province, Min Bam, the warrant was issued after Beldadi Municipality Vice-Chairperson Shanti Nath filed a complaint at the District Police Office, Kanchanpur under Section 47 of the Electronic Transaction Act. Vice-Chairperson Nath lodged the complaint over critical news articles published on the portal on April 16 and 17 and Dhami's Facebook post. The reports covered her arrest in connection with the alleged murder of a local resident and her alleged involvement in fraud related to the provincial government’s agricultural grant program. The news reports are based on quotes from local sources.
Following the news publication, Vice Chair Nath filed the complaints and the arrest warrant was issued against journalist Dhami.
Freedom Forum has serious concern over the incident. Despite the availability of the Press Council Nepal to address concerns regarding published news, harassing a journalist through the misuse of Section 47 of the Electronic Transaction Act is deplorable. FF strongly urges the concerned authorities to withdraw the cybercrime charges against the journalist and investigate the matter in accordance with existing appropriate laws.
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