Nepal police arrest former prime minister over September protests
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Former Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested over the deaths of dozens during violent protests in September that led to government collapse and new elections.
- The arrests were carried out at their homes near Kathmandu and followed a commission's recommendation for up to 10 years imprisonment for their roles in the violence.
- The new government, led by Balendra Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, emphasized that the arrests are about justice, not revenge, asserting that no one is above the law.
- Oli’s supporters protested the arrests near the prime minister’s office, clashing with riot police, though no major injuries were reported and several protesters were detained.
- The September protests were sparked by youth-led movements against corruption and poor governance, resulting in 76 deaths, over 2,300 injuries, and widespread destruction of government and political offices.
