NEPAL: Nepal News is back online, but not the same as before the King's coup

For the first time since Feb. 1, readers can access the online daily, but content is in accordance with the government directive not to publish anything "that goes against the letter and spirit of the Royal Proclamation"

By Angilee Shah
Contributing Writer

Tuesday, February 8, 2005

AsiaMedia's news from Nepal comes mostly from Nepal News, however, since King Gyanendra seized power on Feb. 1, the publication's site has been inaccesible due to downed phone and Internet lines.

The site was accessible for the first time today with a new look, but fewer stories than usual and censored content. In a note to the readers, the editors apologize for the lack of updates and explain their restrictions.

"Nepalnews, in a new get-up, would operate within the ambit of the state of emergency declared in the country and in accordance with various directives issued by the government. We would like our readers to take note of this," the notice says.

It goes on to reprint the government directive that censors publications in Nepal:

"Notice in Gorkhapatra on 3 February from His Majesty's Government Ministry of Information and Communication

Invoking Sub Clause 1 of Clause 15 of His Majesty's Print and Publication Act, 2048, and considering the nation and national interest, His Majesty's Government has banned for six months any interview, article, news, notice, view or personal opinion that goes against the letter and spirit of the Royal Proclamation on 1 Feb 2005 and that directly or indirectly supports destruction and terrorism. In line with the arrangement in the Print and Publication Act 2048, action will be taken against anyone violating this notice."

Date Posted: 2/8/2005