The Press Council Nepal has expressed serious concern over the police searches of journalist Kishor Shrestha’s house and the office of Jana Aastha Weekly.
Police searched Shrestha’s residence after arresting him on Wednesday.
“The Press Council Nepal’s serious attention has been drawn to the incidents in which his private residence was searched after his arrest on Wednesday night and police entered the office of the media outlet early this morning carrying weapons and seized computers and other materials,” the council said in a statement.
The council also reminded that there is a legal provision allowing complaints to be filed with the Press Council against any media outlet or journalist if they violate their professional code of conduct.
According to the statement, the council has the authority to take actions including self-monitoring, reconciliation, issuing warnings, suspending press passes, or blacklisting in such cases.
The council also said that it is equally concerned about the conduct and professional dignity of journalists and media workers in the course of their work.
“Therefore, considering that the council has been monitoring journalists and media outlets from both perspectives within its jurisdiction, the council humbly requests all stakeholders to file a complaint with the council if they are not satisfied with any news report,” the statement said.
Police arrested journalist Shrestha on Wednesday night after a woman filed a complaint alleging that a report published in the Jana Aastha violated her personal privacy.
After searching his home on Wednesday, police also searched the Jana Aastha office on Thursday morning and seized some CPUs.
On Thursday, the Federation of Nepali Journalists staged a sit-in protest in front of the District Police Range, Kathmandu, opposing the action.
Police have reportedly not allowed Shrestha, who is in custody, to meet his lawyer.
Police are preparing to present him before the court on Thursday to seek an extension of his detention.
