INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Kathmandu, January 7
The International Federation of Journalists said today the new Information Technology Bill, which is under deliberation
in the Parliament, threatened to undermine media freedom.
The IFJ and its affiliates, Federation of Nepali Journalists and Nepal Press
Union, have strongly condemned the proposed new law and urged the Parliament to amend it to ensure the citizens& constitutional right to
freedom of expression.
&This bill is another example of governments trying to curb freedom of expression and silence critical voice in the
We call on the Government of Nepal to step back and start wider consultation with stakeholders to develop new communications bill that
respects and fully guarantees media freedom and freedom of expression,& IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger said in a press release
issued yesterday.
The controversial bill passed by the Development and Technology Committee of the House of Representatives on December
threatens freedom of speech.
Among the concerns expressed by organisations of Nepali journalists are that it includes provisions to impose
fine of up to Rs 1.5 million or jail terms up to five years for posting content on social media that in the eyes of the government may pose
threat to the ‘country sovereignty, security, unity or harmony&.
The bill also includes mandatory provisions for social media companies to
be registered in Nepal to open their offices in the country
If not, their services will be banned.
The bill replaces the existing Electronic Transactions Act, which had been widely misused to arrest
and harass citizens over their posts on social media.
According to cybercrime cell at Nepal Police, 106 cases were filed in Kathmandu valley
in the past three years for ‘illegal& posts on social media.
The FNJ claims the bill is in contravention to citizens& rights to freedom of
expression enshrined in the constitution.
FNJ said, &We would like to remind the government about its earlier agreement to hold
consultations with FNJ and other stakeholders while it introduces any bill related to media and freedom of expression.
Therefore, we urge
the government to take the IT Bill forward only after wider consultation with stakeholders and adhering to the spirit of freedom of
expression.&
NPU has denounced the government proposed law as undemocratic
&The bill gives plenty of space for the authorities to curb freedom of expression and media freedom
Therefore, it is not acceptable for NPU
NPU calls on the government to correct contradictory provisions in the bill through wider consultation with stakeholders,& NPU said.
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