Freedom Forum is concerned over the arrest of two persons namely Krishna Dhakal and a journalist Kabiraj Dhakal under cyber crime offense by Nepal Police. The two have been arrested for uploading the disfigured image of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on 10th November 2018. The incident took place at Kavrepalanchowk district that lies in Province 3 of Nepal.
As per the information received by Freedom Forum, the two have uploaded the disfigured image of PM Oli on their social media site Facebook on 6th November for which they have been arrested. They have been charged under section 47 of Electronic Transaction Act, 2008.
During the telephonic conversation with Cyber Crime Cell, SP Narendra Upreti, he informed that the perpetrators are booked for affecting the social solidarity and public moral.
Freedom Forum views that if the offense committed by the perpetrators has resulted in affecting the public moral and disorder, the case could be dealt differently under public offense mentioned under civil code.
The use of Electronic Transaction Act as the cybercrime act is a sheer misuse of authority. The case could be filed under civil charge rather than making it the criminal offense.
Therefore, the arrest of the civilian and a journalist for uploading the disfigured image in the social media site has spread fear among every citizen for exercising their rights of freedom of expression on the internet.
For more information:
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
01-4102030
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np