Appointment of Maoist Party Advisor as Press Council Chairperson a Bid to Control Free Media

Yet again, the government led by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has appointed its central advisor Borna Bahadur Karki as Chairperson of the Press Council Nepal thereby politicizing the media-monitoring body of the country. It has come at a time the earlier decision of the government on appointment of Avadesh Kumar Yadav was legally challenged and is under consideration in the court. "The caretaker government which is outgoing very soon with the search for new Prime Minister is continued, the appointment of an active political lawyer has cast doubt on advocacy of free and fair media in the country," said Freedom Forum Chairman, Taranath Dahal. With the appointment of political lawyer loyal to the ruling UCPN-Maoist, the threats of media control has increased. Freedom Forum therefore expresses grave concern over the appointment of Mr Karki which would be detrimental to Freedom of expression and against independence of media Freedom.