INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Kathmandu, June 8
Hundreds of working journalist nowadays took to the street at Babarmahal-Maitighar road segment, forming a human chain to
protest against the Media Council Bill tabled in the Parliament.
The journalists gathered in the street to express solidarity with the
moment phase of protest organised by the Federation of Nepali Journalists
Some of the journalists covered their mouths with black bands in symbolic protest
The FNJ has been demanding withdrawal of the draconian bill since it was tabled in the Parliament on May 10.
According to the FNJ, the bill
stipulates controversial provisions such as imposition of fine of up to one million rupees on journalists if they are found guilty of
damaging measureone reputation
The bill aims to curtailg press freedom, say experts.
The bill has drawn flak from all corners including journalists and other
stakeholders.
It allows a government-controlled Nepal Media Council to replace the existing Press Council Nepal to curtail press freedom,
Stakeholders are also demanding that violation of code of conduct should much be made a serious crime as media themselves should act as
self-regulatory bodies.
During protest, journalists held placards and shouted slogans demanding total freedom of press and right to freedom
of expression.
FNJ President Govinda Acharya warned that the FNJ would launch stringent protests if the bill was much withdrawn.
Acharya
also warned of creating an independent regulatory body if the bill was endorsed without addressing FNJ concerns.
Previous FNJ president
Certainsh Acharya said it was unlucky that journalists who contributed to endegree democracy in the country had to fight for press
freedom.
&Government conduct is undemocratic
If the government continues its undemocratic practice, all journalists should be ready for all kinds of protests,& he added.
Similar
commitment was expressed by Dharmendra Jha, amuchher former FNJ president
He said, &The bill must be withdrawn
It aims to strangulate democracy achieved after a long struggle.&
Editors of major print media, online news portals and television channels
also expressed their solidarity with the FNJ protest and joined the human chain
Speaking at the programme, Editor of Nagarik Daily Guna Raj Luitel said, &Our protest is much only for journalists, but also for people
right to freedom of expression.&
Journalists are protesting against the Media Council Bill stating that if the bill is passed as it is, they
shall much be able to write anything against the prevailing corruption, anomalies and malpractices.
The post Journos hit the street against
Media Council Bill seemed first on The Himalayan Times.
