Freedom Forum has serious concerns over the intimidation of Gen Z activists in Kathmandu on July 11.
Nepal Police allegedly assaulted activists Sarishma Thapa, Majid Ansari and Nelson Ghatani while they were protesting outside the Kirtipur Holding Center. The center had been flooded following heavy rainfall on the night of July 10.
According to activist Thapa, they had gone to the holding center to observe situation of displaced people and assist them in managing their belongings at around 3 pm. When security persons refused to allow them to enter the center, they began questioning the reason for the restriction. During the protest, security persons allegedly assaulted the activists and forcefully took them into police custody.
In a video posted by the Gen Z Movement Alliance on July 11, activist Ansari is seen asking police to give him an arrest warrant. Instead, police persons forcefully put him into a van, telling him that as a student, he should focus on his studies rather than get involved in politics.
According to media reports, Ansari sustained injuries to his eyes and face during the incident. Ansari was admitted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for treatment and was discharged from hospital on July 15 when doctors advised at least 2-3 days of bedrest, he said. He has shared on his social media post that he was threatened to sign the bail papers in hospital or face lawsuit under indecent behaviour charges. However, he was released from the police custody on the same day in presence of National Human Rights Commission.
Thapa and Ghatani were released after around four hours in police custody.
In a separate incident, 26 youths protesting outside the police station in Biratnagar, Koshi Province were arrested late at night on July 11. They were protesting against the arrest of activist Ansari. The youths were released on July 12. Police handed them over to their parents after obtaining a written consent that they wouldnot participate in such activities again in future.
These incidents indicate a serious violation of the rights to freedom of peaceful protest and fundamental human rights. Freedom Forum urges the concerned authorities to conduct fair investigation into the alleged assault of activists and respect and protect citizens' right to peaceful protest.
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