KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has voiced its stance on the arrest of Kantipur Media Group (KMG) Chairman Kailash Sirohiya in the citizenship case.

Dr. Mukul Dhakal, the General Secretary and spokesperson of RSP, issued a statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that an arrest sanctioned by the court does not infringe upon press freedom.

“The distinction must be made between a profit-driven private enterprise and a diligent journalist reporting news,” the statement said.

It added that conducting an investigation with substantial evidence, under court authorization, does not impede press freedom.

“Misinterpreting this undermines press autonomy, transforming it into a conduit for unjust transactions,” the statement read.

Criticism directed at Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, also the chairman of RSP, for Sirohiya’s arrest being perceived as a personal vendetta and an intimidation tactic against the press, was addressed.

“The essence of the rule of law lies in its universality. No individual is exempt. Upholding this principle reinforces democracy, debunking the notion of untouchability based on feudalistic cowardice,” the statement said.

RSP expressed concern over the distortion of the political system due to such biases.

The party reaffirmed its stance on upholding democratic values, stating, “While we hold immense respect for past champions of democracy, continual involvement in corruption and illegal collusion cannot be shielded under the guise of historical contributions. Expecting legal immunity based on immoral grounds is unacceptable to us.”