Freedom Forum has been alarmed over the two press statements issued by the Nepal government on August 18 and August 20, asking the public not to speak on the issues of public concern. The statements say: The Home Ministry has serious concern over the ongoing protests and demonstrations which has disturbed implementation of development projects in nation and the relationship with neighboring countries. The statement further warned that the ministry was closely observing and analyzing such activities and will take strict action against the demonstrators as per existing rules. "Nepal's constitution has finely guaranteed citizen's freedom of speech. But, merely for expressing views and making peaceful protest of any in/activity of government, the issuance of warning statement blatantly violates the freedom of speech. Similarly, it is against citizen's right to peaceful protest. In a democratic state, the government can not suppress citizen's rights, but it must show capacity to tolerate healthy criticism," FF's Executive Chief Taranath Dahal observed. For More Freedom Forum Thapathali, Kathmandu 01-4102030/ 4102022
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.
