The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has filed habeas corpus writs demanding the release of eight journalists arrested by the government from different parts of the country during their duty on different dates.

On behalf of the FNJ, central member Janmadev Jaisi filed the writ petitions on Monday and Tuesday demanding immediate release of the journalists. The petitioner has claimed that they were arrested without reason.

According to the writ petitioner, journalists including Jayeswor Acharya and Padam Prasad Pokhrel of Pyuthan Vision Monthly were arrested from Pyuthan on November 11 without arrest warrant and were kept in the District Police Office custody. Chief Editor Kali Bahadur Mahatara and News Chief Jagadishnath Yogi of Janaprabhat Weekly were also arrested from Kalikot without warrant on November 15 and 20 respectively and were kept in District Police Office custody.

On Monday, FNJ had filed a writ petition demanding release of Khem Thapaliya, editor of Jaljala Monthly, Jitendra Maharjan, chief editor of Nihigu Monthly and Dipesh Shahi, senior reporter of Madhyanha National Daily, who were arrested on November 17, November 13 and November 19 respectively. All three journalists have been kept in custody of the Metropolitan Police Range, Teku.

Similarly the FNJ has also filed separate writ at the SC demanding release of FNJ Rupandehi district member Prakash Dumre, who is currently in the custody of Area Police Office, Butwal. Dumre was also arrested without warrant on November 21.

The petitioner has demanded quick decision on these arrests.

Earlier, an FNJ delegation led by Chairman Govinda Acharya had urged Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to release all the journalists who were arrested without warrant and with no apparent reason. After there was no progress in their release, the FNJ decided to move the Supreme Court.

Home Ministry Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Sharma Duwadi said some journalists have already been released and that investigation into the arrest of others is underway.

The Home Ministry will follow due legal process and inform the all concerned about their status as per the decision of SC, Duwadi said.

Home Ministry officials said the journalists were arrested in suspicion of their involvement in anti-poll activities.