Police not authorized to write to editors seeking explanation: FNJ

KATHMANDU, Jan 8: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has said that Nepal Police does not have the authority to shoot letters to the editors, seeking to know the source of news that is published or broadcast and requiring the editor to be present at the police station for an explanation over the issue of that news.

A press release issued by FNJ general Secretary Ramesh Bista on Monday states that the FNJ’s attention was drawn to the Police’s writing letter to some online news portals to disclose about the source of a particular news that they had carried and asking the editors of these news portals to be present in person at the police station to furnish explanation.

In the press release, Bista has urged the sides concerned to seek solution to any complaints or grievances over any news published or broadcast by the mass communication media through the Press Council.

The FNJ has concluded that such incidents would only cause hindrance to the news media in enjoying the freedom of the press.

“We urge the sides concerned to immediately stop such activities and not repeat them. The FNJ would be compelled to take strong steps of protest if such anti- press freedom incidents were not halted,” the FNJ stated.

The press release also states that the FNJ has come to the conclusion to draw the serious attention of the government and the security bodies after holding consultations with the representatives of Nepal Press Union, Press Chautari Nepal, Press Centre Nepal, Revolutionary Journalists Organization Nepal and the Online Journalists Association, and to jointly defend the freedom of the press, freedom of expression and protection of the news source. RSS