Nepal marked World Press Freedom Day with a series of events and renewed calls to safeguard journalists’ rights, even as a new report highlighted a worrying increase in violations against media professionals across the country over the past year.
According to a report released by Freedom Forum Nepal, nearly 100 incidents of press freedom violations were documented between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, reflecting a significant jump compared to the previous year. The findings underscored growing concerns over the safety of journalists and the shrinking space for independent reporting in the Himalayan nation.
The report noted that a total of 97 incidents affected at least 145 journalists and 20 media organisations during the review period. This marked a notable rise from 68 cases recorded in the preceding year, indicating an upward trend in threats and interference faced by the press.
A breakdown of the data revealed that threats and intimidation formed a major share of these violations, with 28 cases involving threats or death warnings. Physical attacks accounted for 21 incidents, while 18 cases involved obstruction of journalists in the course of their work. Additional violations included eight instances of arson, five legal cases, and four arrests, reflecting a broad spectrum of risks confronting media workers.
The issue of press freedom took centre stage during nationwide observances of World Press Freedom Day, with several organisations hosting programmes and rallies to highlight the importance of an independent media. In Kathmandu, journalists and civil society members gathered at Maitighar Mandala, where speakers emphasised the critical role of press freedom in upholding democratic values and human rights.
Officials and stakeholders reiterated that freedom of expression is a constitutional right and must be protected against any form of interference. Representatives from legal and human rights bodies assured support for journalists facing obstacles in their professional duties, stressing the need for institutional mechanisms to defend media freedom.
At the same time, concerns were raised about recent government actions that have led to unease among journalists. Media representatives pointed to decisions such as withholding government advertisements from private outlets, alleging that such measures could be used to exert pressure on independent media and limit critical reporting.
Responding to these concerns, government authorities maintained that they remain committed to protecting press freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution. The Minister for Communications and Information Technology, in a message issued on the occasion, described a free and responsible press as a cornerstone of democracy and essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
The developments come even as broader assessments suggest a complex picture of press freedom in Nepal. While the country performs relatively better than several South Asian neighbours in global rankings, domestic reports point to increasing challenges, including legal pressures, physical threats, and economic vulnerabilities within the media sector.
As Nepal joins the global community in observing World Press Freedom Day, the rise in violations has sparked renewed debate on the need for stronger safeguards, accountability mechanisms, and a supportive environment for journalists to operate without fear or interference.
