Nepal’s former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were released from judicial custody by the Supreme Court after spending 13 days in jail. They were arrested on March 28 in connection with a case related to the suppression of Gen Z protests last year that resulted in the deaths of several protesters. The apex court ordered their release following a habeas corpus petition filed by their families.
The court’s order on Monday stated that Oli and Lekhak should be released or face legal action in accordance with the National Criminal Procedure Code. Oli, upon his release, alleged that his detention was illegal and criticized the government for biased charges and lack of evidence. He mentioned on Facebook that he had been detained without proper grounds for prosecution.
Former Prime Minister Oli mentioned that due to his health condition, he would remain in the hospital for further treatment. The arrests of Oli and Lekhak were based on a commission’s recommendation formed to investigate the Gen Z movement incidents. The commission suggested charges under the National Penal Code for criminal negligence, which could lead to imprisonment of up to 10 years if convicted.
The report also recommended action against other officials involved in the case, including the then Home Secretary and former Police Chief. The Gen Z movement resulted in 77 fatalities and extensive damage to public and private property, as per the government’s report.
