Freedom Forum has been alarmed over the statement of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, on March 18.

With a delegation of the Federation of Nepali Journalists on a discussion on formulation of media related laws and policies, Speaker Ghimire said, “Journalists are on hire.”

His views took the media fraternity, rights defenders and FoE advocates by surprise. It resulted in furor.

Speaker’s statement has discredited the role of media persons and press freedom  in Nepal which is worrying that such abuse are direct role demoralize the professional journalists.

FF shows severe concern over the Speaker’s statement and urges for the respect of press freedom and media persons which have a significant role to promote democracy and rule of law in the country. Belittling free press is betraying democratic values and system.

For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np