(FNJ/IFEX) – The FNJ organized a participatory forum themed “Interim constitution and guarantee of press freedom” on 10 November 2006 at the Department of Information, Media Village, Kathmandu. In his welcoming speech, FNJ President Bishnu Nisthuri expressed delight over the commitment to complete press freedom that was stated in the historic agreement between the Seven […]
(FNJ/IFEX) – The FNJ organized a participatory forum themed “Interim constitution and guarantee of press freedom” on 10 November 2006 at the Department of Information, Media Village, Kathmandu.
In his welcoming speech, FNJ President Bishnu Nisthuri expressed delight over the commitment to complete press freedom that was stated in the historic agreement between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists, and emphasized its implementation. He further said the interim Constitution should have provisions guaranteeing press freedom in such a way that it will not be curtailed by any forces in future.
Speaking at the forum, Arjun Narsingh KC, leader of the Nepali Congress party, expressed his party’s commitment to complete press freedom. He commended the role that the Nepalese media played in restoring democracy and said that the media played a great role in creating awareness among the people about democracy and their fundamental rights.
Ishwor Pokherel, leader of Communist Party of Nepal (CPM-UML), accepted that the draft interim Constitution would have flaws in it. He said, “Limitations to the right to information should be lifted and editorial freedom should also be guaranteed.”
Khim Lal Devkota, Maoist leader and member of the interim Constitution draft committee, expressed his party’s commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression. He also expressed his regret over media rights violations committed by his party during the conflict. He further said that the government should not run the media and that there should be no commercialization of the media. He stressed that the lapses in the draft interim Constitution will be corrected in the final version. He said, “The media should be responsible and accountable to strengthen democracy.”
FNJ Vice President Shiva Gaunle highlighted the weaknesses in the draft interim Constitution in relation to press freedom and urged the government to correct the provisions that are contradictory to freedom of the press and expression.
Purushottam Dahal, president of Human Rights and Peace Society, said freedom cannot be curtailed on any grounds or by any means and Nepali society will now not tolerate any restrictions. He added that the draft interim Constitution should be reviewed to address the concerns of media persons to ensure complete press freedom.
FNJ Secretary General Mahendra Bista, SAFMA Nepal President Gopal Thapaliya and NEFEJ President Sahaj Man Shrestha also expressed their views in the forum.