Kathmandu, Nepal marked World Press Freedom Day with various programs across the country, but a report released on the occasion highlighted a rise in press freedom violations. According to Freedom Forum Nepal, 97 incidents of press freedom violations, affecting 145 media persons and 20 media organisations, were recorded between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.
This is higher than the 68 incidents of violations registered the year before, with threats, attacks, and obstruction of journalists on the rise. The report noted 28 threats and death warnings, 21 attacks, and 18 acts of obstruction during the past year.
Eight arson cases, five court cases, and four arrests were also reported during the review period. The Federation of Nepali Journalists organised a rally in Maitighar Mandala, with speakers highlighting the importance of press freedom and freedom of expression for human rights, development, and safety.
National Human Rights Commission member Manoj Duwadi described press freedom and freedom of expression as vital to human rights, while Nepal Bar Association Chair Prof. Bijay Prasad Mishra assured moral support for any hindrance or obstruction of freedom of expression and press freedom.
However, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Bikram Timilsina said the government is committed to the freedom of the press and expression, describing a free, impartial, and responsible press as a foundational pillar of democracy.
