KATHMANDU, June 13 -- Senior Vice-Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Center), Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has condemned the arrest warrant issued against journalist Pathak. The warrant was issued in connection with a news report broadcast on YouTube about Jaiveer Deuba, son of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, allegedly purchasing the Hilton Hotel.

Expressing his objection via Facebook, Shrestha wrote, "Issuing an arrest warrant against a respected journalist like Dil Bhusan Pathak merely for broadcasting a news report is unacceptable. It is a repressive, intolerant, and condemnable act that violates press freedom and democratic values. I strongly denounce this action and demand that the warrant be immediately revoked."

While acknowledg...