Human rights commission urges action against KP Sharma Oli and ministers

The National Human Rights Commission has recommended action against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and other ministers involved in the Gen Z movement. The recommendation includes action against Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Information and Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung.

Based on the report of an investigation committee led by member Lily Thapa, the commission decided on Wednesday to urge the government to take action in cases of human rights violations.

The commission noted the absence of existing laws to prosecute those in government for human rights violations and suggested that retrospective laws be created to bring them to justice.

The recommendation states, “Since it has been proven that they violated human rights, action should be taken against them under Article 249, Sub-Article 2 (g) of Nepal’s Constitution. As there is no current law to punish them for human rights violations, a precedent has been set by the Supreme Court in the case of Advocate Madhav Basnet vs. Nepal Government, 2072, No. 90510, suggesting that new laws be formulated to prosecute and punish them.”

The commission also outlined the framework for the necessary laws, suggesting penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 300,000 rupees, or both. It recommended the formation of a special court for hearing such cases.

Additionally, it proposed that those found guilty should be barred from political appointments or candidacy for any elected position for at least five years, restricted from administrative responsibilities for at least three years, and prohibited from traveling abroad for at least three years.