Nepal NHRC recommends action against ex-PM Oli, RSP chief over Gen Z protests

PTI, May 27, 2026, Kathmandu : Nepal’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended legal action against deposed prime minister K P Sharma Oli and several senior political leaders for alleged human rights violations during last year’s Gen Z protests.

The independent constitutional body also sought legal action against ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane for his alleged “jailbreak” during the violent agitation that led to the ouster of the Oli-led government.

In a 29-page report made public on Wednesday, the commission recommended legal action against Oli, who is also the CPN-UML chairman, then home minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak, and former communication minister Prithvi Subba Gurung for alleged human rights violations during the September 8–9 protests last year, in which 77 people were killed.

However, noting the absence of specific laws dealing with such offences, it recommended that the government formulate new legislation to prosecute those responsible.

The commission also recommended barring the leaders from contesting political posts for five years and restricting foreign travel for three years.

Both Oli and Lekhak were arrested in March on charges related to murder, based on the report of an investigation commission formed to probe the crackdown on the Gen Z protests that toppled the then CPN (UML) government. However, due to insufficient grounds and evidence to file a case, they were released in April.

The NHRC report also raised questions over the role of RSP chief Lamichhane, saying his alleged “jailbreak” during the protests was “unauthorised and illegal”.

The RSP leader was lodged in Nakkhu Prison in Lalitpur in connection with a cooperative fund embezzlement case at that time.

“The jailbreak by Lamichhane was not only a serious violation of human rights but also a criminal act,” the commission said.

The NHRC also recommended an in-depth investigation against RSP lawmakers Manish Jha and Hari Dhakal, who were elected to Parliament in the March 5 general elections.

It further sought an investigation into the conduct of former caretaker prime minister Sushila Karki for allegedly acting as an activist and supporter of the Gen Z movement.

The NHRC held the Nepal Army responsible for failing to protect key government installations, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Supreme Court and the President’s Office, from vandalism and arson during the protests, though it stopped short of recommending action against the Army.

The commission also recommended investigation and action against 15 RSP lawmakers, including former home minister Sudhan Gurung, if found guilty.

It further recommended action against several senior security officials, including incumbent Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki, then Additional Inspector General of Nepal Police Narayan Prasad Paudel, former Armed Police Force AIG Narayan Prasad Paudel, former National Investigation Department director Krishna Khanal and former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhabi Lal Rijal.

However, the commission remained silent on the role of former Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor and current Prime Minister Balendra Shah in the protests.

Relevant photo suggestion: A representative image of protests in Kathmandu, Nepal Parliament building, or NHRC office proceedings would be appropriate for publication.