The Hindu : International : Nepal frees three political detenus

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 05, 2005

International

International

Nepal frees three political detenus

Human rights activist Krishna Pahadi

KATHMANDU: Nepal's royal Government on Monday freed a prominent human rights activist, a senior politician and a student leader after detaining them for months for opposing the February 1 takeover by King Gyanendra.

Senior rights activist and founding president of the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) Krishna Pahari, Nepali Congress Central Committee member Narahari Acharya and Nepal Students Union general secretary Basudev Koirala were released unconditionally. Mr. Acharya and Mr. Pahari were arrested soon after the February 1 royal coup and student activist Koirala was arrested during anti-King demonstrations. Mr. Pahari was released after he threatened to stage a fast-on-to death from Tuesday demanding restoration of democracy and civil rights. He was arrested on February 9 as he was planning to lead a protest show against the royal step. ``Our struggle is for restoring peace, democracy and human rights and it will continue till full-fledged democracy is restored'', Mr. Pahari said after his release.

``We are not alone in our fight against authoritarian rule, the whole international community and human rights groups have extended solidarity to our struggle. The concern shown by international community including India, Britain and USA shows that the authoritarian rule cannot last for longer,'' he said.

The Government released Mr. Acharya, who spent five months in jail. He was taken to the Kathmandu district court for clearance before his release, Nepali Congress office secretary Basanta Gautam said. — PTI

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