NEPAL: Lalitpur DAO quizzes scribe over write-up

Publisher of Himal news magazine interrogated over allegation that his article spoke against the spirit of the Royal Proclamation

Nepal News
Wednesday, May 18, 2005

AsiaMedia Editor's Note: Nepalnews is operating under the directives of King Gyanendra, and thus cannot publish anything "that goes agains the letter and spirit of the Royal Proclamation."

Lalitpur District Administration Office (DAO) Wednesday interrogated Kanak Mani Dixit, a noted scribe and publisher of Himal news magazine, over his article in the last issue of the magazine.

Dixit who was handed a summon order on Monday went to the DAO this afternoon for clarification over the allegation that his article "Opportunity and the Situation" spoke against the spirit of the Feb 1 royal move.

In defence, Dixit said his article only called for constitutional and democratic process in the country and that it was not against the spirit of the royal move.

Dixit is one of several journalists who have been quizzed by local authorities for their write-ups over the past few months.

Meanwhile, vice-chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Shiv Gaunle, has termed the interrogation as a continuation of harassment against the press. "Even after the lifting of state of emergency, government restriction on the media continues. Dixit’s interrogation shows just that," he told Nepalnews.

Date Posted: 5/18/2005