Journalist federation objects to Press Council ordinance, plans phased protests after Chhath

The Nepal Federation of Journalists (FNJ) has decided to launch phased protests after the Chhath festival to protect press and expression freedom and to press for its demands to be met.

The federation raised its concerns after the government prepared to bring an ordinance related to the Press Council Act. It has urged the government to issue the ordinance only after holding discussions with stakeholders.

The federation has also urged the President not to issue the ordinance amending the Press Council Act, requesting that the President exercise discretion in keeping with the spirit of the constitution.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office has said the government remains fully committed to press freedom. The Prime Minister's press adviser, Dahal, said the government is fully committed to press freedom.

The positions of the journalist federation and the government on the proposed ordinance have been made public in differing terms.