Prachanda Slams Social Media Ban, Calls Move Unconstitutional

Kathmandu: Maoist Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, who himself had banned TikTok during his premiership, has protested the government’s recent decision to shut down 26 social media platforms.

On Thursday, he said the move shows the government’s intent to suppress criticism on social media by filing cases, shielding itself, and restricting freedom of expression.

The Prachanda-led government had banned TikTok through a Cabinet meeting on 13 November, 2023, citing its negative impact on social harmony and the social environment. The ban was lifted nearly a year later by the KP Sharma Oli-led government.

Prachanda argued that the current decision directly violates the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution. “This move by the government is not only unconstitutional, undemocratic, and anti-people, but also a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s order to make legal provisions regarding the publication and broadcasting of social media platforms,” he wrote on Facebook.

He added that the ban undermines constitutionally guaranteed rights and makes it harder for Nepali migrant workers, who sustain the country’s economy, to stay in touch with their families.

“Our party firmly stands for proper regulation, not control, of social media. Instead of pushing forward the bill under consideration in Parliament with stakeholder participation and ownership, it is highly objectionable to close social media through an executive order. I strongly demand that this decision be revoked immediately,” Prachanda wrote.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: भदौ २०, २०८२ १५:४८

टिप्पणीहरू