Journalists’ body declares drive to protect free press

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has announced a campaign to exert pressure on the government to make amendments to some  provisions in the new Civil Code and Criminal Code.

The FNJ claims that various legal provisions in the two codes trample on press freedom and other fundamental rights.

The umbrella organisation of journalists has announced a phase-wise campaign from September 26 to November 15 to press the government to get rid of the laws that restricts press freedom and rights of civilians.

The Ministry of Communications, Information and Technology has formed a task force to look into the grievances raised by the press and to identify the provisions that have been deemed objectionable by journalists and writers.

The FNJ has welcomed the government’s decision to form the task force. It plans to hold discussions with the task force members in the second phase of its campaign after soliciting feedback on the newly enforced Civil Code and Criminal Code with journalists and media houses.

According to  a statement issued by the FNJ Secretary-General, Ramesh Bista, the federation will also hold interactions with journalists and media houses across the country, collecting their feedback and recommendations.

The FNJ has urged all working journalists, civil society leaders and press freedom crusaders to help make the campaign a success.