National Human Rights Commission Holds Former PM Oli, Ministers Accountable for Human Rights Violations

Kathmandu. The National Human Rights Commission has held former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and then Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung accountable for human rights violations.

After investigating the violent incidents and human rights violations during the 'Genji' movement on August 23 and 24, the commission has deemed them guilty and submitted a 7-point special suggestion to the government for action.

The commission led by Tap Bahadur Magar has held the then leadership primarily responsible for the decision to ban social media during the movement and the subsequent situation. The commission's recommendation section mentions that although there is currently no clear legal provision for punishing such serious violations, they should be brought under the purview of punishment by enacting new laws based on Supreme Court precedents and international human rights principles.

In this regard, the commission has given a 7-point special suggestion to the government. It mentions that the guilty should be punished with imprisonment of up to 6 months or a fine of up to 3 lakh rupees or both. The commission proposes to arrange for a special court to hear such cases and to bar individuals found guilty from any political appointment or candidacy in elections for at least 5 years.

Similarly, it has been suggested that individuals deemed violators should not be given any administrative responsibility for at least 3 years and should also be banned from foreign travel during the same period.

The commission has directed the government to make strict legal arrangements so that those involved in serious human rights violations are not granted amnesty and that individuals in public office are automatically suspended once a case is filed.