Former Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli was arrested on Saturday amid an investigation into alleged misconduct that led to the deaths of dozens of protesters during last year’s “Z-Generation” anti-corruption demonstrations.
Also detained was former Nepalese Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak. Police spokesperson Om Adhikari stated that Oli and Lekhak will appear in court on Sunday.
Oli’s lawyer, Tikaram Bhattarai, told Reuters that the arrest was baseless, unlawful and inappropriate, and they plan to appeal to the Supreme Court.
This arrest comes as Nepal swore in a new Prime Minister. Balendra Shah, a former rapper, was sworn in as Prime Minister on Friday.
A committee responsible for investigating the violence during the protests last September recommended legal action against Oli, accusing him of negligence. The committee believed that Oli and Lekhak failed to take action to halt the police shooting at protesters for several hours, holding them responsible for the deaths of protesters.
In September last year, Nepal saw massive protests triggered by the government’s decision to block several social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X platform. The authorities argued at the time that it was a necessary measure to combat fake news, hate speech, and enhance security. However, many Nepalese, especially the younger “Z-Generation,” viewed this as an attack on freedom of speech and digital space rights, akin to implementing internet censorship.
The protests quickly shifted from opposing the government’s social media blockade to expressing discontent over government corruption and the economic situation. Organizers dubbed this protest movement the “Z-Generation’s Demonstration.” Clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in 76 deaths. The protests ultimately forced Oli to resign as Prime Minister. Just a week before announcing his resignation, he had visited China, attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and the September 3rd parade in Beijing.
Oli is the Chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (Unified Marxist). Born in eastern Nepal, he was imprisoned for 14 years as a youth for participating in the movement to overthrow the monarchy.
He was first elected Prime Minister in 2015, re-elected in 2018, and briefly re-elected in 2021 in the Nepalese parliament. Over the past decade, Nepal has seen several changes of government. Oli returned to power in July 2024, choosing Beijing for his first official visit rather than the traditional India, breaking the longstanding convention. Oli is known for his nationalist views, advocating deepening relations with Beijing and engaging in cooperation with the “Belt and Road” initiative.
The Nepal Communist Party is demanding Oli’s immediate release and plans to hold more protests on Sunday.
Current Home Minister Sudan Gurung dismissed these criticisms, stating on Facebook, “This is the beginning of justice. This country will now move in a new development direction.”