Nepal Police arrested journalist Kishor Shrestha from his residence in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur on August 12. Shrestha is the editor-in-chief of Janastha Weekly, a tabloid newspaper known for sensational journalism.
According to District Police Range Kathmandu Spokesperson SP Dan Bahadur Thapa, journalist Shrestha was arrested for investigation into allegations of violating individual privacy rights. Police have initiated an investigation against him on charges of infringing individuals’ right to privacy and committing cybercrime.
Spokesperson Thapa told Freedom Forum that a victim had filed a complaint against Shrestha at the District Police Range, alleging publication of news violating her privacy rights. Shrestha was first presented before Kathmandu District Court on August 13 to seek an extension of remand for investigation purposes. The court remanded journalist Shrestha three days of police custody. Moreover, Shrestha's wife Saraswati Shrestha filed a habeas corpus writ at the Supreme Court against the arrest. During the hearing on August 13, the court ordered the authorities to present him before the court on August 17 along with all the confiscated reporting equipments of Shrestha and the media.
In the early morning on August 13, police had raided the media outlet’s office and seized computers, mobile phones, equipments and related documents.
On August 17, District Court ordered authorities to keep Shrestha in custody for four more days to continue investigation. However, on the same day, the Supreme Court ordered the police to release journalist Shrestha and return all computers, mobile phones and other equipment confiscated following his arrest. The court concluded that a journalist cannot be arrested or detained merely for publishing news report. It further stated that the police may continue their investigation without keeping him in custody.
Following the court's order, journalist Shrestha was released on August 17.
Freedom Forum expresses serious concern over the incident. FF calls on the government to ensure that any criminal allegation is investigated and prosecuted impartially, while also safeguarding journalists’ right to press freedom. The police raid into the mediahouse and confiscation of reporting materials is an absolute violation of press freedom and has created fear among fellow journalists.
At the same time, the professional media community must remain vigilant that unethical and irresponsible journalistic practices can harm the credibility of the press and may encourage government repression on media.
For more,
Freedom Forum
(The page was last updated on August 18, 2026.)