KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed its disagreement with several provisions in the Printing and Publication (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2082, arguing that they undermine press freedom.
In a statement issued today, the FNJ said that some provisions are restrictive, including the imposition of fees on media outlets that previously received free registration and renewal, and the authorization of monitoring and inspection by local authorities.
It also criticized what it called impractical and discriminatory requirements—such as mandating online media to publish a notice in three national daily newspapers to cancel their registration certificates, and obliging online media to renew annually while print newspapers under the same law are exempt from renewal.
The journalists’ umbrella organization urged the government to promptly amend the provisions it described as being contrary to the principles of a free and independent press.
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