‘No laws will be made against press freedom’

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 6: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dhanraj Gurung said the government would not formulate laws that curtail press freedom.

Speaking at a discussion programme on communication and information technology bill organized by Nepal Press Union Central committee and supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Nepal office on Saturday in Capital, he said the government would not formulate media laws that curtail media rights.

Gurung said it was not possible to bring such restrictive laws as journalists had played role to establish and reestablish democracy.

Gurung said he would discuss with the Minister for Communication and Information Technology about formulation of media laws. 

Union chair Shiva Lamsal said the government should bring laws after consultation with stockholders. 

He said his organisation would not accept any laws that curtailed press freedom.

He said present media laws were not compatible with technology and the federal system of governance.

FES country director CD Bhatta, journalist Taranath Dahal and NPU vice chair Saloja Dahal also expressed their views.