गाउँको दूरदराजदेखि काठमाडौंको सिंहदरबारसम्म

NAIROBI, August , The World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of veteran Nepali journalist and editor Kishor Shrestha, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

In a statement issued in Nairobi on Thursday, the international body said it was deeply concerned over the arrest of Shrestha, editor and publisher of Jana Aastha Weekly and Janaastha.com, and the Second Vice President of WAPC.

According to the statement, Shrestha was arrested from his residence in Lalitpur on Wednesday evening by a joint police team over an alleged violation of privacy law. He remains in the custody of the Kathmandu District Police Office. Police also raided his office in the early hours of Thursday, according to the statement.

WAPC said it was deeply concerned by the detention of one of its officials and an independent journalist, stressing that legitimate complaints concerning privacy, accuracy, ethics or other aspects of journalism must be addressed through established legal, judicial and press-regulatory mechanisms—not through detention for professional work.

The international press council body further warned that the arrest of journalists can create fear and pressure within the media, calling for urgent attention from the Government of Nepal and law-enforcement authorities.

WAPC emphasized that press freedom and accountability must coexist, but alleged violations by a publication should be addressed through proportionate, transparent and due legal processes, while respecting journalistic independence and established press-regulatory mechanisms.

The statement comes amid protests and growing concern within Nepal’s media fraternity over Shrestha’s detention. WAPC’s demand for his immediate and unconditional release has added international pressure on Nepal’s authorities over the handling of the case.

The message from the international press body is unequivocal: accountability must not become a pretext for suppressing journalism, and press freedom must be protected in a democratic society.