Freelance journalist and litterateur Sesh Narayan Jha was arrested by the police for taking a photograph of a symbolic protest from the main gate of Singh Durbar, the central administrative office of the country, on May 23.
He has been detained at Singhadurbar Police Circle, confirmed the police. However, detailed information why the police detained him is awaited.
If Jha's arrest came merely for taking photos of the protest, it is the gross violation of press freedom. A journalist taken under control from the very central administrative office shows how hostile the State is against journalists who must be provided the atmosphere conducive for free reporting.
The police therefore needs to come up with the clear reason why he was held, and in case it was a breach of the press freedom, journalist Jha must be released immediately without any condition respecting press freedom.
For More Information
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Post Box No: 24292
Phone No. 4102030, 4102022
Website: www.nepalpressfreedom.org; www.freedomforum.org.np
Email: monitoring@freedomforum.org.np; info@freedomforum.org.np;