All Arrested Journalists Released Following Directives, Minister Confirms

All journalists detained by police from various newsrooms on Friday have been released, according to Communications Minister Bikram Timilsina. Writing on social media on Friday evening, Minister Timilsina stated that the administration remains fully committed to press freedom, describing media freedom and responsible journalism as fundamental pillars of democracy. Police personnel had earlier entered media office premises to take journalists into custody based on published news content. Plainclothes officers entered office spaces, detaining journalists including Dheeraj Basnet and Nabaraj Mainali. Reports indicate that thirteen journalists were detained during the police operation inside newsrooms in Kathmandu. The detentions prompted immediate opposition and strong criticism from media organizations, journalist associations, political parties, and various stakeholders. Following widespread public concern regarding press freedom, Prime Minister Balen Shah issued directives instructing authorities to release all detained media personnel immediately, leading to their subsequent discharge from custody.