Political ruckus over suspicious vehicles outside media institutions in Nepal, RSP expressed concern

• Controversy regarding parking of unknown vehicles outside media institutions.
• RSP called it against press freedom.
• Party General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya issued a statement.

Kathmandu. Nepal’s ruling party Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has expressed serious concern over the incidents of suspicious vehicles being parked outside the offices of various media institutions, saying that such efforts to create psychological pressure on journalists are against democratic values.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, RSP general secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya said that parking of unidentified vehicles outside media houses is an unacceptable attempt to intimidate the press and create an atmosphere of fear.

The party reiterated its commitment to freedom of the press, citizens’ right to information and independent journalism, saying that any attempt to interfere with media freedom, instill fear among journalists or weaken the role of the press as the fourth pillar of democracy will not be tolerated.

“Independent and fearless journalism is the lifeline of democracy,” the statement said. The party strongly condemned all activities of intimidation and intimidation of the media sector.

RSP has demanded the government, Home Ministry and security agencies to conduct an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into this incident, ensure the physical and mental security of media institutions, identify the people involved in this and take legal action against them.

At the same time, the party has reiterated its support for the safety and complete press freedom of journalists, while appealing to them to continue reporting journalism based on facts without succumbing to any kind of pressure or intimidation.

On Monday, vehicles were parked in suspicious condition by unknown people at the main gate outside all the major media institutions of Nepal.

This action was justified by people close to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Home Minister Sudan Gurung, while everyone else opposed it. Faced with criticism after the involvement of some people from its own party, RSP has issued a statement giving clarification.