Freedom Forum has criticized the order to remove a BBC documentary, warning that such actions undermine press freedom.
The Election Commission of Nepal recently sent an official notice to the media regulatory body, Press Council Nepal (PCN), requesting the removal of a documentary posted by the BBC on February 26.
Titled Shot Like Enemies: Inside Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising, the documentary was uploaded to both the BBC World Service (English) and BBC Nepali Sewa (Nepali) YouTube channels and has since attracted roughly 2.5 million views. The documentary draws on over 4,000 videos, photographs, and leaked police radio transcripts collected by BBC journalists, focusing on the Gen Z protests that began on September 8.
The Commission reportedly raised concerns about the documentary’s potential influence on the upcoming House of Representatives election. PCN’s Monitoring Division, represented by Sujan Maharjan, confirmed that the council is currently reviewing the matter.
Freedom Forum expressed deep concern over the case. Executive Chief Taranath Dahal emphasized that investigative reporting serves the public’s right to know and is a core responsibility of the press. While authorities may take legal action
if a report is proven false, fabricated, or manipulative, Dahal noted that demanding the removal of accurate reporting constitutes an attack on press freedom.
Free Press Alliance strongly condemns the Election Commission’s attempt to censor the BBC documentary. Removing content that exposes social and political realities is a direct threat to journalistic independence and the public’s right to information. We call on Nepali authorities to respect press freedom, ensure the documentary remains accessible, and ensure that investigative journalism can continue without fear of government interference.