Nepal's Social Media Bill faces protest from ruling party's student union
Nepal Students Protest Against Social Media Bill
In Kathmandu, Nepal, the Nepal Students' Union (NSU), affiliated with the ruling Nepali Congress, protested against a new social media bill. The bill, introduced in the National Assembly, is seen as a threat to basic human rights. Protestors demonstrated how the bill could imprison youths for criticizing the government online.
Concerns Over the Bill
The bill uses terms like 'libel and defamation' without clear definitions, allowing potential misuse by powerful individuals. It proposes a council, rather than courts, to decide on these matters, raising concerns about fairness. Protestors carried signs questioning the bill's impact on free speech.
Constitutional Violations
The bill contradicts Nepal's constitution, particularly Articles 17 and 19, which guarantee personal freedom. It penalizes social media activities like posting and commenting, without defining 'malicious intent'. This ambiguity could lead to arbitrary enforcement.
Government Control
The bill allows the government to act as the plaintiff in related cases, increasing its control over law enforcement. It also introduces a Rapid Response Team for immediate action, typically used for emergencies. Critics argue this gives the government excessive power.
Financial Penalties
The bill includes fines up to NRs 5,00,000. Protestors, like student leader Sushant Acharya, argue that the bill favors the government and lacks judicial oversight. They vow to continue opposing it.
Doubts Revealed
Nepal Students' Union
The Nepal Students' Union is a group of students in Nepal who come together to discuss and act on issues that affect them and their country. They often organize protests and events to make their voices heard.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It is a big city where many important government buildings and offices are located.
Social Media Bill
A Social Media Bill is a proposed law that aims to regulate how people use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In this case, the bill is controversial because it might limit people's freedom to express themselves online.
Libel and Defamation
Libel and defamation are terms used to describe false statements that can harm someone's reputation. Libel is written, while defamation can be spoken or written. The bill does not clearly define these terms, which could lead to misuse.
National Assembly
The National Assembly is one of the two houses of the Federal Parliament of Nepal. It is where lawmakers discuss and pass new laws for the country.
Constitution
A constitution is a set of rules that outlines how a country is governed. It protects the rights and freedoms of the people. In Nepal, the constitution guarantees personal freedom, which the bill might restrict.
Government Overreach
Government overreach happens when the government tries to control too much or interfere in people's personal lives more than necessary. Critics of the bill are worried that it gives the government too much power over social media.
Rapid Response Team
A Rapid Response Team is a group of people who are ready to act quickly in emergencies or urgent situations. In the context of the bill, it might mean a team that can quickly respond to social media issues, but this could also mean more control over what people post online.
Judicial Oversight
Judicial oversight means that the courts or judges have the power to review and make decisions about certain actions or laws. Protestors want the courts to have a say in how the social media bill is enforced to ensure fairness.
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