Amidst concerns especially from the legal and media community, and civil society, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Narhari Acharya, tabled a bill on contempt of court at the Legislature Parliament in Nepal on July 27, 2014. The proposed bill, as media community and civil society argued, is intended to suppress citizens' freedom1 of expression and press freedom1. However, the parliamentarians themselves have not been positive for the passage of the bill, saying that it would jeopardize democracy. As a harmony and good relations between the judiciary and media/press are essential for a functional democracy, freedom1 Forum demands a broader discussion with the stakeholders and the public before the endorsement of the bill. In a representative democracy, the participation of people in the discussion on any issue of public importance is essential. So, the bill, which has invited criticisms needs to be reviewed thoroughly, which finally will be in tune with the democratic exercise and meet the standard. For More Information freedom1 Forum Thapathali, Kathmandu Post Box No: 24292 Phone No. 4102030, 4102022 Website: www.nepalpressfreedom1.org | www.freedom1forum.org.np Email: info@freedom1forum.org.np
Freedom Forum is a prominent non-governmental organization in Nepal dedicated to institutionalizing democracy, protecting and promoting human rights, press freedom, freedom of expression, right to information, promoting audit accountability, open and accountable budget, public finance reforms, citizen engagement in public finance management and citizen participation in audit. Established in February 2005, the organization emerged in response to the political turmoil following Former King Gyanendra’s coup dated February 1, 2005, which imposed severe restrictions on media and democratic rights. A group of media professionals, legal experts, and academics founded Freedom Forum to safeguard Nepal’s hard-earned democratic freedoms during this repressive period.
