KATHMANDU: Following the arrest of Kailash Sirohiya, Chairman of Kantipur Media Group (KMG), a coalition of 32 editors from various media outlets penned a pointed letter to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Wednesday.
In the letter, they raised objections to Sirohiya’s arrest, citing concerns over the manner in which it was conducted.
The editors highlighted five key points in their correspondence with the Prime Minister, expressing their disapproval of what they deemed a “vindictive” approach to Sirohiya’s arrest.
They particularly questioned the circumstances surrounding his apprehension from his office, emphasizing that the accusations against him raised significant doubts.
“We view the incident of law enforcement entering and arresting an individual from a media establishment as an attempt to exert pressure and instill fear within the press,” the editors wrote.
“Government agencies have yet to provide adequate explanation or inquiry into the allegations leveled against him. The sudden arrest on purported technical issues related to citizenship only adds to the ambiguity, leaving the matter to be adjudicated by the court,” it added.
Moreover, the editors called attention to the citizenship status of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, alleging that he held foreign citizenship at the time of assuming office.
Despite subsequent acquisition of Nepalese citizenship, they argued that Lamichhane’s past dual citizenship warranted scrutiny and accountability.
The letter further accused Home Minister Lamichhane of displaying hostility towards the media and highlighted concerns regarding the escalating issue of cooperative fraud.
“Billions of rupees invested by millions of Nepalis in cooperatives have been misappropriated, with depositors left uncompensated,” the editors asserted.
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