The National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday called on the government to respect press freedom and freedom of expression.

The constitutional human rights watchdog also urged the government to make sure that investigation in Kantipur Media Group Chairman Kailash Sirohiya’s case is impartial and independent.

In a statement, NHRC Spokesperson Tikaram Pokharel said the commission was concerned about the news that Sirohiya’s arrest is linked to the news published continuously by the media for the past few days.

“The commission urges the government to ensure an impartial investigation by protecting the rights guaranteed by the international laws and constitution and to ensure an environment for publishing and broadcasting news in a fearless atmosphere,” said Pokharel.

A team from the commission’s central office visited the Kantipur Media Group’s central office on Wednesday to take stock of the issue. Likewise, a team from the commission’s office in Madhesh Province met Chairman Sirohiya in Dhanusha.

A police team, including Senior Superintendent of Police Sanuram Bhattarai and Superintendent of Police Rabindra Regmi of Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, arrested Sirohiya on Tuesday from his office at the Kantipur Publications’ headquarters in Thapathali, Kathmandu. He was subsequently taken to Dhanusha, where a complaint was filed against him.

Sirohiya was detained based on a complaint filed by Indrajit Mahato of Sarlahi district at the Dhanusha district police office on April 28. Mahato, a cadre of Rastriya Swatantra Party led by Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, accused Sirohiya of using multiple citizenship certificates and demanded that the offence be investigated according to the Citizenship Act 2006.

The media fraternity and political leaders have condemned the arrest, calling the move a breach of the constitution and an abuse of state power.