Journalists in Koshi Province plan protest against media bill

The Koshi Province government has introduced the ‘Koshi Province Media Bill’ in the provincial assembly. The Koshi Province Committee of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists says the bill directly threatens journalism and freedom of expression, and has announced a phased protest.

The Federation says the bill goes against the spirit of full press freedom guaranteed by the constitution and has demanded its complete withdrawal. In a statement on Saturday, General Secretary Himakumari Chemjong said the bill, passed by the Justice Administration and Legislative Committee and presented in the assembly, is meant to restrict journalism and press freedom, and is therefore unacceptable.

After a discussion on Bhadra 8 (24 August) with media-related organizations and stakeholders, the Federation announced the first phase of its pressure campaign. The schedule includes:

• Bhadra 9 (25 August): Journalists across the province will warn the government and assembly through social media campaigns to amend the bill.
• Bhadra 10 (26 August): Meetings with the Chief Minister, departmental ministers, and parliamentary party leaders to formally raise concerns.
• Bhadra 10 (26 August): A province-wide protest with slogans demanding the removal of press freedom restrictions.
• Bhadra 11 (27 August): Journalists in each district will send direct messages to provincial assembly members to express opposition.
• Bhadra 12 (28 August): Sit-ins in front of the Chief Minister’s office and district administration offices.
• Bhadra 13 (29 August): A closing sit-in at 1 pm at Devkota Chowk in Biratnagar.

Officials said if the provincial government and assembly do not take the demands seriously, a second, stronger phase of protest will be announced.