Nepal’s Former Leader Arrested Over Gen Z Protest Deaths.

Nepal's Former Leader Arrested Over Gen Z Protest Deaths

In a significant political development, Nepal's former prime minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, was arrested on Saturday. The arrest comes amid an investigation into his alleged negligence in failing to prevent the deaths of dozens during the Gen Z anti-corruption protests last September. Alongside Oli, his home minister, Ramesh Lekhak, was also taken into custody.

The Political Backdrop.

This arrest follows closely on the heels of rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's swearing-in as Nepal's new prime minister. Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party recently achieved a landslide victory, partly fueled by public outrage over the handling of last year’s protests. The protests, sparked by anti-corruption sentiments, resulted in two days of unrest and claimed the lives of 76 people, eventually leading to Oli's resignation.

Investigation and Arrest.

The arrests were conducted based on the recommendations of a Nepali panel set up to investigate the violence during the protests. According to police spokesman Om Adhikari, both Oli and Lekhak are detained at the Kathmandu Police Office and are scheduled to appear before the court on Sunday, a working day in Nepal. The panel held Oli accountable for not intervening to stop the firing on the first day of the demonstrations, which led to the deaths of at least 19 Gen Z protesters.

Health Concerns and Legal Perspectives.

Oli, who is 74 and has undergone two kidney transplants, was reportedly transferred to a hospital following his arrest, witnesses said. His lawyer, Tikaram Bhattarai, criticized the arrest as unwarranted, stating, “They have said it (the arrest) is for investigation. It is illegal and improper because there is no risk of him fleeing or avoiding questioning.”

Attempts to reach Lekhak and his legal team for comments have been unsuccessful so far.

Broader Implications.

The arrests underscore the significant political shifts occurring in Nepal, as the new leadership under Shah seeks to address public grievances and hold former leaders accountable for past actions. The situation remains tense as the legal proceedings unfold, with the potential for further political and social ramifications in the country.