(FNJ/IFEX) – Nepal Television (NTV) has cancelled a program, “Sarbajanik Sunuwai” (“Public Hearing”), accusing the program director and presenter of disrupting national integrity and communal harmony. On 27 November 2006, the program presented the pros and cons of the recently passed Citizenship Act. After it was aired, the authorities sought clarification from program chief Laya […]
(FNJ/IFEX) – Nepal Television (NTV) has cancelled a program, “Sarbajanik Sunuwai” (“Public Hearing”), accusing the program director and presenter of disrupting national integrity and communal harmony.
On 27 November 2006, the program presented the pros and cons of the recently passed Citizenship Act. After it was aired, the authorities sought clarification from program chief Laya Sangroulam, director Bhola Thapa and presenter Dinesh Subedi, on why they had failed to censor the program.
Thapa was quoted in the “Kantipur Daily” as saying: “Since the program had presented both the negative and positive effects of the (act), there is no reason to ban the program.”
In its press release, the FNJ expressed concern over NTV’s decision to cancel the program, saying that the decision is against press freedom, the spirit of democracy and existing legal provisions. FNJ has strongly urged for the withdrawal of the decision.