Nepal introduced a new criminal code on Friday that makes sharing confidential information a jailable offence, sparking concerns among journalists that the laws could be used to muzzle the press. Media have warned that the Communist-led government, which has shown an increasing intolerance for dissent, could use the vaguely worded code to silence critics. The new laws make publishing private information, recording audio or taking pictures without permission punishable by up to three years in jail and a fine. Publishing content that damages a person’s reputation directly or through satire is also subject to the same sentence. The Himalayan nation is ranked 106 out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.
