Police in Nepal arrested former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli early Saturday over deaths from violent protests in September that toppled the government and led to new elections. Authorities also arrested Ramesh Lekhak, the former home minister, accused of ordering authorities to fire on protesters.
The arrests occurred a day after a new government headed by Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician, took office following a landslide win in a parliamentary election by his Rastriya Swatantra Party. Home Minister Sudan Gurung announced the arrests on social media, stating that no one is above the law and this is just the beginning of justice.
An investigation by a commission established by the interim government called for up to 10 years in prison for Oli, Lekhak, and the chief police officer at the time of the protests. The arrests were conducted with several trucks of riot-gear officers before taking the men to the Kathmandu District Police office.
Oli’s supporters gathered near his office later Saturday, protesting his arrest and demanding immediate release. They chanted against the new government, burned tires, and clashed with riot police who used batons to clear the road blocked by protesters. No major injuries were reported, but seven protesters were detained.
The recent election was Nepal’s first since youth-led protests over corruption and poor governance in September left 76 dead and more than 2,300 injured. The demonstrations, fueled by “Gen Z” activists, forced the appointment of Nepal’s first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, a retired Supreme Court judge who served during the transition leading up to the election.