Nepal panel urges prosecution of ex-PM Oli over deadly protest crackdown
Kathmandu— A Nepali investigation panel has recommended prosecuting former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli for “negligence” over his failure to prevent deadly violence during anti-corruption protests in September last year that left dozens dead, according to a report released late on Wednesday.
The findings come two days before rapper-turned politician Balendra Shah is set to be sworn in as prime minister after securing a landslide victory in parliamentary elections triggered by the unrest.
The 970-page report held Oli, 74, responsible for not intervening during hours of firing on the first day of youth-led demonstrations, in which at least 19 Gen Z protesters were killed. Overall, 76 people died and 2,522 were injured during two days of violence, the panel said, broadly aligning with earlier government estimates.
“As the executive head Oli should be held responsible for anything good or bad,” the report stated.The panel also recommended prosecution of former home minister Ramesh Lekhak and then police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung, citing their roles in the handling of the crackdown.
None of the individuals named could be immediately reached for comment.Legal experts said the panel’s findings do not constitute formal charges and must be followed by a criminal investigation before any case is brought to court.“It is not a charge sheet and they cannot be jailed on the basis of this report,” said senior lawyer Dinesh Tripathi.
“There has to be a criminal investigation by police … The government can file the case in the court only after that.”If prosecuted and convicted, those named could face prison terms of up to 10 years, according to the report.
Analysts say the decision on whether to act on the recommendations now rests with Shah, 35, and his Rastriya Swatantra Party, which rose to power on the back of anti-corruption sentiment following the protests.
The panel also called for action against dozens of other officials and security personnel involved in the crackdown. Families of victims have continued to demand accountability for the deaths and injuries during the demonstrations.
