Journalists coerced to apologize and perform a degrading act of subservience, highlighting intimidation faced by the press

Location: Nepal, Sudurpaschim
Date: February 14, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with journalists Aishwarya Kunwar and Pushkar Bhatta, whose freedom and safety are currently jeopardized in Nepal. Their arrest on February 10, 2024, under the pretext of reporting on alleged mismanagement within the District Police Office in Kanchanpur, represents a severe infringement on press freedom and an alarming attempt to silence critical journalism. The demeaning demand for Kunwar to apologize and show subservience to a police inspector is emblematic of the broader disrespect and dangers that journalists face. The arbitrary restrictions imposed on their movement and the seizure of their electronic devices further exacerbate these challenges. We demand immediate action to rectify the abuses suffered by Kunwar and Bhatta, including the return of their confiscated belongings and the assurance of their ability to work without fear of retaliation.

“We were asked to apologize and touch Inspector Binu’s feet,” says Aishwarya Kunwar about the demeaning treatment she experienced while police detained her and her colleague Pushkar Bhatta. “I denied it, telling her to hold on to me for as long as she could, but I will not touch your feet.” 

On February 10, police arrested both journalists — associated with local media Mountain Television in Kanchanpur, a district in Nepal’s Sudurpaschim province — for their reporting on mismanagement within the District Police Office involving a woman police officer; and her alleged role in the assault of another police officer and the detention Kunwar in 2023 for covering a local dispute between police and district residents. 

While Kunwar and Bhatt were released on “personal guarantee” on February 14 and 15, respectively, they have been restricted from moving outside a designated area as an investigation continues into their case. The police have confiscated their electronic devices. 

The journalists were arrested under Nepal’s Electronic Transaction Act 2007 and booked on cybercrime charges following a complaint by the officer claiming the reporters’ work had defamed her personally and professionally.

Binod Bhatta, the lawyer who represents both journalists, says the legal harassment is the result of personal vengeance against Kunwar and Bhatta. 

Nepal remains a hotbed of press freedom infringements within South Asia, particularly with regard to the use of the draconian Electronic Transaction Act 2007, the misuse of which has worsened the state of press freedom and freedom of speech and expression in the country. 

“I cannot bear the responsibility for something I have not done,” Kunwar says about the ordeal.  

Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with journalists Aishwarya Kunwar and Pushkar Bhatta. Their arrest underscores a troubling disregard for press freedom and a distressing effort to stifle critical journalism. Despite their conditional release, the retention of their mobile phones by the police constitutes a severe invasion of privacy and a chilling effect on freedom of expression. The use of the Electronic Transaction Act 2007 to book Kunwar and Bhatta on cybercrime charges following a personal complaint is indicative of the misuse of legal frameworks to persecute journalists and silence dissent. This act of legal harassment, purportedly stemming from personal vendetta, is alarmingly indicative of the deteriorating state of press freedom in Nepal. We call upon the authorities in Nepal to reevaluate their use of legislation that stifles journalism and to ensure that laws are not weaponized for personal retribution or to suppress critical voices. The unjust treatment of Kunwar and Bhatta, merely for fulfilling their journalistic duties, is a stark violation of their rights and a detriment to the essential role of the media in fostering an informed and accountable society.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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