Media Alliance said that its serious attention has been drawn towards the Press Council Nepal’s decision to blacklist English Daily ‘The Himalayan Times’.

Press Council Nepal is an organization carrying a constitutional responsibility to listen to the views of both sides with priority, in accordance with a fair and transparent process. Hence, the Council should take the decision only after understanding the facts from the concerned parties, the Media Alliance said.

At a time when The Himalayan Times has already submitted a clarification letter and has been urging to remove it from the blacklist, the Media Alliance has urged the Nepal Press Council to review its decision and move ahead by holding a discussion with both sides.

The Himalayan Times has claimed that the Press Council Nepal blacklisted it without holding any discussion.

The Media Alliance said that it would like to draw the attention of the Press Council to provide an environment for the press to fulfill its responsibilities with confidence, while being mindful that quick decisions do not undermine press freedom and democratic values.