73 Press Freedom Violations in Nepal in One Year: Federation Raises Alarm

Kathmandu: Between May 4, 2024, and April 30, 2025, Nepal witnessed 73 incidents of press freedom violations, affecting 151 journalists and five media outlets, according to the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ).

The data was released by FNJ’s Media Monitoring Unit to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3. FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal confirmed that two journalists were killed during this period. Additionally, the report highlights 16 cases of professional insecurity faced by media workers.

“Threats, arrests, and abuse of journalists are direct attacks on democracy,” the FNJ stated.

Major Incidents Highlight Growing Media Risks

• Journalist Suresh Rajak was killed on March 28 (Chaitra 15) during a violent protest in Tinkune, Kathmandu.

• Journalists were subjected to arson attacks, harassment, and physical threats.

• Sabina Karki was reportedly mistreated while covering the teachers’ movement.

• Gopal Dahal faced psychological torture and threats of physical assault from a local government head in Gharana, leading to his displacement.

The FNJ condemned these events as serious violations of press freedom and a threat to Nepal’s democracy.