Political leaders defend Kailash Sirohiya's arrest, stating press freedom not at risk

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli, and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have all expressed similar views regarding the arrest of Kantipur Media Group (KMG) Chairman Kailash Sirohiya, asserting that press freedom is not under threat. Both Oli and Dahal dismissed the notion that Sirohiya's arrest signifies an attack on press freedom, with Oli emphasizing the need for calm and rational discourse rather than sensationalism surrounding the issue.
Oli, addressing inquiries from local media in Jhapa, remarked that while there may be controversies surrounding Sirohiya's arrest, it is not indicative of a suppression of press freedom. He maintained that Sirohiya's case pertains to criminal allegations rather than matters of journalistic integrity or freedom of expression. Similarly, PM Dahal, speaking in Kathmandu, echoed Oli's sentiments, emphasizing that he merely complied with legal proceedings and saw no reason for undue alarm.
Both leaders questioned the portrayal of Sirohiya's arrest as a threat to democracy or communication rights, with Oli highlighting the need for consistency in response to arrests regardless of the individual's profession or status. Oli also denied allegations that Sirohiya's arrest was motivated by his reporting on cooperatives associated with Home Minister Lamichhane.
The spokesperson for RSP, Mukul Dhakal, declared in a statement that Sirohiya's arrest was due to allegations of forged citizenship and was conducted with the approval of the Dhanusha District Court. Dhakal emphasized that adherence to the law is paramount, regardless of one's stature or profession, and refuted claims that the arrest encroached upon press freedom.
The statements from political leaders and the RSP spokesperson converge in rejecting the notion that Sirohiya's arrest constitutes an attack on press freedom. Instead, they frame the arrest as a legal matter concerning alleged criminal activities, underscoring the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining accountability across all sectors of society.