Nepal's Human Rights Commission Urges Action on Political Leaders Over Gen Z Protests

Nepal's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged legal action against former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and multiple other senior politicians. This recommendation follows allegations of human rights abuses during last year's protests led by the Gen Z movement.

The NHRC also targeted Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, accusing him of unauthorized escape from jail amid unrest, and advised the formulation of new laws to prosecute those responsible. It suggested restricting the political careers and travel of implicated figures.

A detailed 29-page report implicates Oli and several others in rights violations linked to September's demonstrations, which resulted in over 70 deaths. Released politicians, including Oli, were previously arrested but freed due to insufficient evidence.

The NHRC raised concerns about the involvement of others, including RSP members who were recently elected to Parliament, and about senior security officials. It abstained from recommending action against the Nepal Army despite identifying lapses in their duties.

(With inputs from agencies.)