Nepal, June 4 -- The preamble of the Constitution of Nepal solemnly enshrines "full freedom of the press," recognising it as a cornerstone of democracy. Apart from that core principle, some articles in the Constitution are devoted to guaranteeing the freedom of the press. This means these rights are considered inviolable and are protected by the country's legal framework, as per the spirit of the democratic transition in 2006.

These constitutional guarantees are solid evidence of the pact between the new regime and the people-a commitment that information will circulate freely, that truth will not be silenced under any excuse and that those who speak will be protected. Yet today, the state of press freedom in Nepal is increasingly fragil...