New Criminal Codes Act curtails freedom of expression and press: IFJ

KATHMANDU, Aug 21 -- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed serious concerns over the restrictive provisions of the Criminal Codes Act of Nepal; and demands immediate amendments to ensure they adhere to the international standards and principles of freedom of expression and press freedom.

Issuing a statement on Tuesday, the IFJ said that the country’s new Criminal Codes Act 2018 curtails freedom of expression and the press. It said that some provisions of the Act, especially Sections 293 to 308 relating to privacy and defamation, are restrictive to the press freedom and criminalize expression.

The IFJ said, "At the time when Nepali media and journalists are facing security threats, such provisions will be misused to harass journalists and media; and obstruct independent as well as investigative journalism.”