Unshackling Expression: A study on criminalisation of freedom of expression online in Nepal, developed by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) with the support of the CYRILLA Initiative, is a study in continuation of the 2017 report Unshackling Expression: A study on laws criminalising expression online in Asia. This report was prepared by Body & Data, an APC member organisation based in Nepal that is focused on creating a free, open and just internet that respects the autonomy of individuals and upholds their dignity.
Freedom of expression is a basic human right, which extends to the digital space too. This report provides insights on how the laws and policies in Nepal surrounding freedom of expression are operationalised and implemented, either to protect and promote freedom of expression or to restrict it. The report also examines case laws relating to freedom of expression and the rationale behind the judgements. It provides a comprehensive scenario of freedom of expression online with Nepali laws and policies and the problems surrounding it.
The report is divided into sections to address the ways the legal framework impacts on freedom of expression online in terms of the country's constitution, the Penal Code and various sectoral laws. The report also deals with the issues surrounding draft laws that are currently under consideration in the parliament that can be used to restrict freedom of expression online.