'I strongly demand the immediate cancellation of this decision, drawing the government's serious attention to the guarantee of constitutional rights, respect for freedom of expression and the protection of democratic values.'
What you should know
The leader of the main opposition party and Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government has decided to close the social network by violating the freedom of expression.
Dahal made this statement after the government banned the operation of 26 unregistered social networks in Nepal. Dahal protested the government's decision through social media on Friday. Even though Dahal said this, when he was the prime minister, the government took the decision to close Tik Tok saying that it was working to spoil social harmony. 'The current government has continued to file lawsuits to suppress criticism against the government through social media, to protect itself and to control freedom of expression . At the same time, the government has decided to shut down the social media in direct violation of the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution,' Dahal said, 'This move of the government is not only anti-constitutional, undemocratic and anti-people, but also a misinterpretation of the order given by the Supreme Court to regulate the publication and broadcasting of social media.'
Dahal says that the government's decision will also affect the country's economy. "This decision has made not only the freedom of expression provided by the constitution, but also complicated and uncomfortable the contact and communication between the foreign workers and their families who are constantly supporting the country's economy," said Dahal, "Our party is adamant in favor of proper regulation and not control of social media. Therefore, instead of advancing the bill under consideration in the parliament in such a way that the stakeholders participate and adopt it, it is a grossly objectionable step to close social media through an executive order.'
Dahal has demanded that the government withdraw its decision. "I strongly demand the immediate cancellation of this decision, drawing the government's serious attention to the guarantee of rights granted by the constitution, respect for freedom of expression and protecting democratic values," wrote Dahal.
The government has banned 26 unregistered social networks in Nepal since Thursday.
