Nepali Police Fire Tear Gas at Thousands of Protesters Supporting Rabi Lamichhane
Introduction
Nepali police fired tear gas on Sunday at thousands of protesters loyal to Rabi Lamichhane, a former deputy premier and television host, as he appeared in court on charges his supporters say are politically motivated.
Background on Rabi Lamichhane
Rabi Lamichhane is a well-known television host in the Himalayan republic, making his name as an anti-corruption crusader through aggressive interviews with public officials. He shot to political power in November 2022 with his Rastriya Swatantra Party, tapping into widespread discontent at Nepal’s elderly political leadership, becoming the deputy premier and interior minister. However, he was sacked in January 2023, after Nepal’s top court barred him from office for failing to regain citizenship after giving up his US passport.
Arrest and Current Situation
Lamichhane was arrested in Kathmandu on Friday and transferred to the city of Pokhara, where he was remanded in custody for a further six days, "for further investigation," according to Kaski District Court information officer Suraj Adhikari.
Protests
Thousands of people took part in the protests on Sunday, with baton-wielding officers blocking off areas around the district court and spraying crowds with water cannon and tear gas. Protesters chanted slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, claiming the charges against Lamichhane were politically motivated.
Supporters’ Reactions
RSP party member Toshima Karki stated, "We have been supporting the investigation but this is a political vendetta to finish a new party that is working for the betterment of people. They think they can finish our party by attacking an individual, this is wrong. We are doing a peaceful protest and we are committed to fight against this injustice."
Charges and Allegations
The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported that a parliamentary committee had accused Lamichhane of embezzling millions of rupees from multiple cooperatives while running the Gorkha Media Network, before his entry into politics. Lamichhane rejects the charges, which his angry supporters say were trumped up.
Conclusion
The situation in Nepal continues to unfold, with protests and counter-protests taking place, and the fate of Rabi Lamichhane hanging in the balance. Supporters of Lamichhane maintain that the charges are politically motivated, while the government claims they are based on evidence and proof.
FAQs
- What are the charges against Rabi Lamichhane?
Rabi Lamichhane faces charges of fraud and organised crime related to the alleged embezzlement of funds from a financial cooperative prior to his entry into politics. - What is the basis for the charges?
The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported that a parliamentary committee had accused Lamichhane of embezzling millions of rupees from multiple cooperatives while running the Gorkha Media Network, before his entry into politics. - How do Lamichhane’s supporters react to the charges?
Lamichhane’s supporters reject the charges, claiming they are politically motivated and part of a larger vendetta against their party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party.