KATHMANDU, April 12: Gen Z activists have protested the arrest of YouTuber Roshan Pokharel, who was detained on charges of using abusive language against Prime Minister Balen Shah, calling it a violation of freedom of expression.
The criticism was voiced by groups including the Gen Z Movement Nepal through social media platforms, condemning the move as excessive and unjustified.
In a statement, the movement’s spokesperson Bijay Shah said arresting an individual solely on the basis of expression is objectionable. “Protect freedom of expression; do not move towards authoritarianism,” he stated.
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Shah further argued that the prime minister, being an artist himself, should understand the value of free speech. He added that statements made in the past, including controversial remarks attributed to the prime minister, should also be subject to scrutiny if equal standards are to be applied.
“If equal standards are adopted, there should be fair and impartial investigation against everyone,” he said, questioning why similar actions were not taken in other instances.
The activists have also demanded the immediate release of Pokharel.
