The European Union has expressed its serious concern with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal over the recent arrest of Kantipur Media Group Chairman Kailash Sirohiya.

“In the spirit of true partnership, we would like to bring to your attention a recent event that has raised our concern. The arrest of the Chairman of the Kantipur Media Group that seems to be a disproportionate response, given the accusations relate to a citizenship issue. The arrest has caused widespread condemnation by the media who see it as an attack on press freedom,” said EU Ambassador to Nepal Veronique Lorenzo in a letter to the prime minister.

“Such incidents may give rise to a reputational risk and taint Nepal's remarkable record of maintaining the civic space and respecting press freedom. We trust that, as head of the government, you will ensure the impartiality of proceedings.”

The letter also recalled that ambassadors from EU countries, in a meeting with the prime minister on May 16, said their partnership with Nepal is based on common values.

“As you yourself said, prime minister, Nepal is a country for peace and a country that firmly upholds values of democracy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms. These aspects make Nepal a much valued and respected partner for the European Union and its members,” reads the letter.

The letter expressed continuous commitment to support Nepal in its path of peace, democracy and prosperity.

Police had arrested Sirohiya on May 21, weeks after Rastriya Swatantra Party cadre Indrajit Mahato filed a complaint at the District Police Office in Dhanusha stating that the number on Sirohiya’s citizenship certificate was the same as that of another person Shivaji Sahu Teli’s citizenship certificate.

He was released nine days later.

Sirohiya’s arrest drew widespread condemnation. Various organisations representing politics, media, civil society, law and human rights, among other sectors, had expressed their serious concerns over the arrest.