Nepal's Political Drama: Oli's Arrest Sparks Controversy

Former Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli remains in judicial custody, following charges related to the suppression of Gen Z protests. His arrest, along with former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, has stirred political tensions. The move faces criticism as political revenge, while others stress the necessity of legal adherence.

Former Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's judicial custody has been extended for two more days, following allegations of involvement in quelling last year's Gen Z protests that resulted in 76 fatalities. The Kathmandu District Court granted police permission for the extension on Wednesday, as Oli, 75, remains hospitalised at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital with various health issues. The police are recording his statements from his hospital bed, while 62-year-old Ramesh Lekhak's statements are being taken in detention.

Oli's arrest, initiated by the newly formed government of Balendra Shah, aligns with the adoption of a commission report into the Gen Z protests. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist–Leninist (CPN-UML) demands immediate release, citing the detention as politically motivated. CPN-UML lawmaker Guru Baral condemned the arrests as unconstitutional at the inaugural House of Representatives session following the March elections.

Contrarily, Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Ravi Lamichhane, affiliated with Prime Minister Shah, insisted the detentions were not retaliatory. Emphasizing justice for the mothers of the protest victims, Lamichhane called for adherence to legal frameworks and urged opposition parties to respect the judicial process. His comments came during Parliament's first sitting, convened by President Ramchandra Paudel.

(With inputs from agencies.)