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.
According to media reports, Ansari sustained injuries to his eyes and face during the incident and is currently undergoing treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
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.
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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