While thousands of users shared on Facebook, cybercrime case filed against Jha

Dipendra Jha, who has recently been appointed as the Chief Attorney for Province 2, has been accused of cybercrime for sharing on Facebook an open letter written by Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and news of Madhesi Youth that showed concerns over the highly defamatory and false article published against Ms. Mohna Ansari, a member of the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal.

Mr. Kosh Raj Neupane, a former employee of NHRC, had authored this defamatory article with false accusations and the same is published through an online news portal Sajilo Khabar as per the AHRC’s letter and media reports.

While thousands of users shared the statement/letter/news on Facebook, Mr. Neupane filed a case of cybercrime against Mr. Jha only. Jha had not created the content of the news or statement but he had just shared it on his Facebook just like others did. On top of that, this case is not even qualified to get registered as cybercrime, according to some lawyers.

Let’s not forget, in this digital era, sharing the issue of public concern on social media is exercising the freedom of expression. Using social media to share one’s opinion is a common practice in a democratic country today.

NHRC Spokesperson and Commissioner Mohna Ansari tweeted:

See the full letter here:

Madhesi Youth

Madhesi Youth is a digital platform for young Nepalis to express themselves. We offer fact-based, data-driven and independent analysis on issues that affects Nepalis in general and Madhesis in particular.