Nepal Media Society Condemns Violence in Gen-Z Protests

The Nepal Media Society has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and destruction that occurred during the recent Gen-Z protest against growing misgovernance and corruption, while condemning targeted attacks on media houses and journalists.

In a statement issued on Monday, September 15, by Society’s President Madan Lamsal, it paid heartfelt tribute to all individuals who lost their lives due to the excessive use of force during the September 8 protests. The Society extended sympathies to the bereaved families and voiced alarm over the widespread violence that accompanied the demonstrations.

It said criminal groups had taken advantage of the unrest to attack journalists and media personnel, vandalise media offices, and set them on fire. “The Nepal Media Society strongly denounces and condemns the assaults on journalists and media personnel, as well as the vandalism and arson committed at media houses by criminal groups taking advantage of the protest,” read the statement.

The Society stressed that it has always stood for full press freedom and citizens’ right to freedom of expression, and reaffirmed that the constitutional right to protect private property must not be violated by anyone.

The offices of Kantipur Daily, Kantipur FM, and Kantipur TV were set on fire and completely destroyed during the protests. Likewise, the offices of Annapurna Daily and AP1 TV were also set ablaze. The Society condemned the vandalism and damage inflicted on both private and public property.

Urging the government to treat the attacks as an assault on press freedom, the Nepal Media Society demanded an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into all attacks, lootings, and acts of violence against media houses, industrial establishments, private residences, public buildings, and media personnel during the protests. It also called for action against those responsible and arrangements for compensation to the affected institutions.