Nepal’s royalist government is threatening to close down a private radio station if it continues to ignore a ban on broadcasting news.

The Information and Communications Ministry says the independent radio station, Nepal FM, could lose its licence for defying the order. The station has been broadcasting news since last month, despite a ban imposed on 1 February when King Gyanendra seized absolute power.

Only state radio is allowed to broadcast news in Nepal, while private stations can only broadcast entertainment.

Media organisations in Nepal have criticised the government ban and have demanded that the restrictions be withdrawn.