Nepal's former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were taken into custody on Saturday as authorities investigate their roles during deadly anti-corruption protests last September, authorities said.
Kathmandu Valley police spokesman Om Adhikari said that legal proceedings would follow over their alleged failure to prevent the deadly unrest.
"They were arrested this morning and the process will move forward according to the law," Adhikari said.
A government-appointed panel this week recommended prosecuting Oli, 74, for negligence in handling the protests, during which 76 people were killed over two days. The violence led to his resignation.
The arrests came a day after new Prime Minister Balendra Shah was sworn in on Friday after winning the first election after the 2025 uprising.
What were the Gen Z protests in Nepal?
The so-called Gen Z protests — which resulted in at least 76 deaths — toppled the Oli administration last year. They were triggered by a social media ban by Oli's government. The ban was withdrawn but the unrest raged on over broader issues concerning Nepal's prolonged economic woes.
The subsequent wider dissent against corruption erupted across Nepal and attracted tens of thousands of demonstrators.
Government report recommends Oli prosecution
A Nepal government-backed report into the deadly uprising has recommended the prosecution of Oli and other officials.
It said there was no evidence of an order to open fire, but found authorities failed to halt or control the shooting, resulting in the deaths of civilians, including minors.
"No one is above the law... This is not revenge against anyone, just the beginning of justice. I believe, now the country will take a new direction," newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who was a key figure in the protests, posted on Instagram.
Nepal's youth demand justice after deadly student protests
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Edited by: Wesley Dockery
