In Brief
- Nepal’s former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak have been arrested over last year’s gen Z protests.
- Police are investigating whether Oli was negligent in failing to prevent dozens of deaths.
In a significant development from Nepal, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, along with ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, has been taken into custody. Their arrests are linked to their alleged roles in a harsh government response that resulted in fatalities during protests last September.
The protests, initially ignited by a brief social media ban, quickly escalated as they tapped into widespread anger over economic issues. Authorities are now probing whether Oli exhibited negligence by not taking measures to prevent the deaths of dozens during the Gen Z-led demonstrations.
Earlier this week, a Nepali investigative panel released findings on the violence that unfolded during the anti-corruption protests. The report recommended prosecuting Oli, aged 74, citing his failure to avert the deadly crackdown.
Although the report stated that no explicit orders to shoot were established, it criticized the lack of effort to stop or control the gunfire. This negligence, it noted, tragically resulted in the loss of lives, including those of minors.
The unrest claimed 76 lives over two tumultuous days, events that eventually led to Oli’s resignation. During the protests, several key government buildings were set alight, including Oli’s private residence. The turmoil subsided only after Oli stepped down from his position.
Police spokesman Om Adhikari confirmed that Oli and Lekhak are currently detained at the Kathmandu Police Office. They are expected to appear before the court on Sunday, which is a regular working day in Nepal.
“We have arrested them as per the recommendations made by the investigation commission,” he said.
Oli, 74 and who has had two kidney transplants in the past, was subsequently transferred to a hospital from the police office, witnesses said.
His lawyer Tikaram Bhattarai said the arrest was unwarranted.
“They have said [the arrest] is for investigation. It is illegal and improper because there is no risk of him fleeing or avoiding questioning,” he said.
Lekhak and his lawyer could not be immediately reached for comment.
The detentions come a day after Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet were sworn in after the first elections since the 2025 uprising that toppled Oli’s government.
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