Rights Activists Criticized Political Protection to the Alleged Perpetrators

Human Rights activists in Nepal have said that impunity in Nepal is growing day by day because of indifference to comprehensive peace accord and political protection to the alleged perpetrators. Addressing a talk program organized by Amnesty International Nepal on ‘Impunity in the Peak: Human Rights are in a Trap’ on 14th May 2013, they said that the recent appointment of Lokman Singh Karki as the Chief of Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) helped to reinforce long-standing impunity in Nepal. Theystated that Karki’s appointment isa betrayal to all Nepali citizens.

On the occasion,veteran human rights activist Krishna Pahadi said there is urgent need of nonviolent resistance pressing for political reform in the country. He also proposed for ‘Jails Filling Up’ campaign to resist the ongoing activities done by the state and thepolitical parties. Pahadi further added that youths have to play a dynamic and proactive role to make senior leaders realize that they cannot provide genuine leadership to the nation.

Senior journalist and analyst Shyam Shrestha said it is unfortunate to see that Unified CPN-Maoist Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal taking a lead to appoint Karki as the Chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) who was found guilty by the Rayamajhi Commission for his role in suppressing peaceful democratic movement back in April, 2006.

Similarly, former member of theNational Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Sushil Pyakurelsaid that the situation of the country clearly shows that there is no democracy now. He added- ‘we need strong movement again’.

Acting President of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Yashoda Timsina said Nepali press is now under the threat of various factors and ready to work with Amnesty International on the battle of impunity.

Chairperson of Human Rights and Peace Society, Homkanta Choulagain Said that victims’ rights to justice, truth and reparation were seriously undermined by the government’s promotion of individuals alleged to have committed human rights violations to senior public positions.

Likewise,Chairperson of Advocacy Forum,Mandira Sharma has criticizedthe government’s continued activitiesofwithdrawal of criminal cases against individuals affiliated with political parties.

Former Chairperson of AI Nepal, Pradip Pokhrel blamed thatthere is no political will power to end the existing impunity in Nepal. Advisor of AI Nepal,KrishnaKandel said that Chairman of the Interim Government Khilaraj Regmi expressed his commitment to take effective action to end impunity in Nepal with AI delegation on 2 May, 2013 but real scenario is different.

On the occasion,Vice Chairperson of AI Nepal Surya Bahadur Adhikari and Treasurer Pratap Poudelalso expressed dissatisfaction over the existing impunity in Nepal.

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