Journalists across the country have protested against the Media Council Bill brought by the government wearing black armband at work.
They wore black armband in their workplaces as per the protest called by the umbrella organization of journalists Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ).
The journos took to the streets stating that the Media Council Bill registered in the parliament last Thursday was against the essence and spirit of the Constitution, and it was brought without any discussion and consensus among the concerned stakeholders.
The agitating journalists have demanded for immediate withdrawal of the bill that imposes fine of Rs 1 million for violation of code of conduct.
The FNJ and Press Council have submitted memorandum to Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara and National Assembly Chairman Ganesh Prasad Timalsina urging them to take initiative to withdraw the bill. The Press Council Nepal has also issued directives to all its branches across the country stating them not to take part in programs attended by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Baskota.