Nepal’s elections are competitive and credible, with parties and citizens largely committed to democratic processes. The country’s anticorruption authority has been active in pursuing official misconduct, though corruption persists. Journalists and civil society face some restrictions, while gender-based violence, underage marriage, and bonded labor remain problems.

• In May, Kantipur Media Group chair Kailash Sirohiya was arrested over allegations of holding multiple citizenships, which is prohibited by Nepalese law, and held for nine days. Kathmandu Post editor Biswas Baral told the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) that Sirohiya was not questioned or permitted an opportunity to produce valid documents. Local and international press freedom advocates expressed concern over the arrest, with a CPJ representative saying it “appears to be an effort to muzzle the critical reporting of Nepal’s largest media group.”
• There were several reported instances of Christians experiencing police or other harassment. In March, four Nepali and seven Australian Christians were detained by police in Terai on what local Christian leaders described as trumped-up allegations of engaging in forced conversions. The Australian nationals were held for three days and either asked to leave Nepal or were deported, according to media reports; the Nepalis were reportedly detained for three weeks and would face trial for proselytizing, which is legally prohibited.
• In April, hundreds of promonarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) supporters protesting against corruption and the republic system clashed with police, who were reportedly trying to prevent them from entering restricted areas around government buildings. State authorities employed water cannons and beat protesters with bamboo batons, while some protesters threw stones at police. No major injuries were reported, but the events were seen as a departure from a norm of more peaceful assembly and less heavy-handed state responses.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.