From investigator to investigated: Gauri Karki commission report faces questions

Gauri Bahadur Karki, who led a government commission to investigate last year's Gen Z protests, is now himself facing calls for investigation. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recommended that Karki be investigated for his role during the demonstrations that occurred on September 8-9.

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The government should use this as an opportunity to conduct broader investigations. For now, it’s an ethical issue. If further investigation finds evidence of [direct] involvement, legal action could follow.

The NHRC's report, released after its own separate investigation into the protests, also recommended action against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and former Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung for alleged human rights violations. Karki is listed among dozens of individuals, including current lawmakers, who the NHRC believes warrant further scrutiny.

Experts have raised concerns about the integrity of Karki's commission report, which the government is still in the process of implementing. Constitutional law expert Bipin Adhikari described the situation as primarily an ethical issue, suggesting that broader investigations are needed. He noted that while Karki's current situation is an ethical matter, legal action could follow if further investigations uncover direct involvement.

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It has been observed, based on their social media posts, published news, and reports collected during the investigation, that these individuals made statements related to the Gen Z protests before, during, and after the demonstrations.

The NHRC's recommendation stems from Karki's social media posts and public statements made before, during, and after the protests. The commission is investigating whether these statements may have incited the demonstrations, contributed to the damage, or disrupted public order. The Gen Z protests themselves were sparked by the government's ban on social media platforms and centered on issues of corruption and misgovernance.

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Considering that there have been various commentaries suggesting their statements may have played a role in inciting the protests, further investigation is necessary to determine whether they were involved in the human and material damage that occurred on September 8 and 9, whether their statements influenced or provoked protesters, whether public peace and order were disrupted, or whether their actions encouraged such disturbances.