In a region where authoritarianism is on the rise, Nepal has stood out as a beacon of political openness and free expression. However, the recent arrest of the owner of the country's largest media conglomerate has raised concerns about the government's commitment to free speech. The arrest of Kailash Sirohiya, allegedly in retaliation for critical coverage of a government minister, has sparked fears that Nepal may be sliding toward the repressive tactics of its South Asian neighbors. The arrest has had a chilling effect on press freedom, prompting worries of a return to darker times. This turn of events marks a potential shift in the delicate balance between political power and a free press that had defined Nepal in recent years.