Nepalese strike against media law

A general strike called by opposition parties in protest at controversial new media laws in Nepal has disrupted life in the capital, Kathmandu.

Shops and schools were closed and the city's normally busy streets looked deserted as most vehicles stayed off the roads for the day-long stoppage.

The strike, the first in several months, follows a government threat to shut a leading private radio station.

Kantipur FM is accused of broadcasting news in defiance of the new media law.

Ruling due

The legislation bans news broadcasts and criticism of the king.

The authorities say the law is needed to maintain discipline but India and the US have voiced concerns over its impact on the freedom of Nepal's media.

The Nepalese Supreme Court is due to rule on Sunday on whether the government can take any action against Kantipur FM.