KATHMANDU, Sept 10: A group of human rights activists and civil society figures has urged Home Minister Sudan Gurung to withdraw his recent remarks against journalists and issue a public apology.
Issuing a statement, the group said Gurung’s remarks made on September 8 were “objectionable as a whole,” particularly criticizing what it described as threatening language directed at journalists.
The statement was signed by former National Human Rights Commission Commissioner Sushil Pyakurel, human rights activists Shobhakar Budhathoki, Som Niroula and Subodh Pyakurel, Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi, Women’s Rights Activist Shyam Kumari Sah and Youth Activist Abhishek Adhikari.
Mr Speaker, Either Prove or Apologize!
The signatories said they had repeatedly observed what they described as an “unruly style of conduct” and “irresponsible statements” by Gurung, arguing that such conduct had undermined the dignity and credibility of the country’s governance system.
They also said Gurung’s recent remarks had heightened their concerns about his suitability for the position of Home Minister, which carries responsibility for maintaining peace, security and public order as well as disaster management.
According to the statement, journalists have a primary responsibility to question public officials and hold them accountable. It said Nepal’s media fraternity had continued to perform this role since the Panchayat era despite intimidation, threats and other challenges.
The group credited the media with playing a vital role in sustaining democracy, strengthening good governance and exposing corruption. It said journalists had continued to report during major periods of political uncertainty, conflict and violence, including the armed conflict, the Narayanhiti Royal Palace massacre, King Gyanendra Shah’s direct rule and the constitution-making process.
The statement further said journalists had exposed major cases, including the gold smuggling, fake Bhutanese refugee and cooperative-sector scandals, and argued that the Home Minister’s remarks should not discourage them from carrying out their professional duties.
It urged journalists and media professionals across all platforms to continue reporting and disseminating news with professionalism and responsibility.
At the same time, the signatories called on Gurung to withdraw what they described as threatening remarks against journalists and issue a public apology.
