FNJ draws attention towards press pass suspension; Govt. committed to protect human rights: PM Oli

Kathmandu / March 5: Federation of Nepali Journalists has drawn its attention towards the incident of barring two journalists—Kishor Shrestha and Prakash Oli from entering the parliament.

According to the FNJ, the Federal Parliament Secretariat suspended the entry pass of the journalist duo, citing violation of parliamentary norms and discipline while asking questions to the Prime Minister on March 4.

Issuing a press release on Wednesday, the umbrella organization of working journalists asked the Federal Parliament Secretariat to respect press freedom by withdrawing its decision of suspending press pass of the journalists.

The Press Council has the authority to judge whether or not the questions asked by journalists are against the code of conduct, reads the statement.

Similarly, FNJ also cautioned the journalists and media to abide by the Journalist Code of Conduct in course of fulfilling their professional duties.

The journalist duo had asked the queries to the Prime Minster while he was emerging out from the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Tuesday.

Govt. committed to protect human rights: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reiterated the government’s commitment to protect human rights and implement the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

He said so while inaugurating the Fifth National Human Rights Defenders’ Conference and Sixth National General Convention of National Alliance for Human Rights and Social Justice Nepal (Human Rights Alliance) here on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Oli clarified that the incumbent government – with the participation of two big parties advocating for human rights would accord special importance to the adherence of the rule of law being intolerant to the violation of human rights.

“The government would bring human rights violators under the legal ambit. We are clear that human rights should be established in a real sense to promote happiness and prosperity of the Nepali people. Every citizen should survive an easy, non-discriminatory, fearless and peaceful life”, he argued.

Also the Chair of CPN (UML), Oli mentioned that human rights have been guaranteed in the country with the sacrifice of the martyrs in different movements and struggles waged for democracy.

Commemorating the martyrs of Jhapa rebellion held in 2029 BS—Ramnath Dahal, Netra Ghimire, Krishna Kuinkel, Biren Rajbanshi and Narayan Shrestha as well as other martyrs, he said it was baseless to talk about the revival of monarchy that had granted capital punishment to the freedom fighters.

“The prime responsibility of the government is to guarantee human rights. So there will be no compromise on the issue of human rights protection”, the PM added.

There is no provision of death penalty in the country, he said, adding stern punitive action however could be given on the basis of crime.

On the occasion, Chair of National Human Rights Commission, Tapa Bahadur Magar handed over the Human Rights and Freedom Award to KP Sharma Oli. The award, instituted by the Alliance, was first presented to senior journalist Bhairab Risal. The award carries a purse of Rs 100,000. RSS