Nepal rights body seeks action against ex-PM Oli over protest violations

Nepal's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended punitive measures against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and other high-ranking officials. The commission found them responsible for human rights violations during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9. This includes former home minister Ramesh Lekhak and former communication minister Prithvi Subba Gurung.

The NHRC also called for departmental action against Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki and Armed Police Force Inspector General Narayan Datta Paudel. Furthermore, it recommended placing former Nepal Police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung, former APF chief Raju Aryal, and former National Investigation Department chief Hut Raj Thapa on a "negative list." This effectively bars them from future public appointments or nominations.

The commission's investigation report highlighted the government's failure to anticipate the scale of the protests, which it said contributed to the severity of casualties and damage. It also recommended legal reforms, including potential imprisonment of up to six months or fines up to Rs300,000 for human rights violations. The establishment of a special court to handle such cases was also proposed.