As condemnations pour in from media organisations and political parties in the country against the media ordinance issued by the King recently, international media rights groups have also slammed the new curbs on the independent media.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said they were strongly opposed to the media ordinance, demanding its immediate withdrawal.

”These extremely repressive amendments to the press law are a major blow to journalists in Nepal, who have worked tirelessly to preserve their livelihood from a king who appears determined to destroy the independent press,” agency reports quoting CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper said.

”We condemn this law and call for its immediate repeal, ” he added.

CPJ is a New York-based independent, non-profit organisation working for press freedom worldwide.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has also expressed strong condemnation to the new press laws.

“Press freedom and journalists’ rights in Nepal will be swept away by these laws,” IFJ president Christopher Warren said in a press statement on Tuesday.

He added: “”Most people return home to the countryside during the festival, so by announcing the new laws on the eve of the holiday, King Gyanendra ensured many media workers unable to protest during the festival.”

His Majesty King had at the recommendation of the Council of Ministers promulgated the new ordinance on Sunday.