The ICJ has urged the Maoist Party to immediately desist from further intimidation against lawyers acting in the case of Arjun Lama (photo of his wife holding his picture).The ICJ aslo called on the Government to ensure the protection of human rights defenders acting on behalf of victims of both state and non-state actors.
Nepal-intimidation HR defenders stop-press release-2010 (full text in English, PDF)
The ICJ welcomes important step taken by the Fundamental Rights Committee towards constitutionally guaranteeing fundamental rights in Nepal but also points out serious weaknesses.
International and local human rights organizations have today urged the Nepali authorities to stop obstructing criminal proceedings over the alleged torture and murder of 15-year-old Maina Sunuwar by four army officers.
Nepal-Authorities must provide justice for torture and murder-press release-2010 (full text, PDF)
See also the open letter Government obstruction of justice and defiance of judicial authority
The ICJ today urged action by the Government to ensure respect for civilian jurisdiction in the Maina Sunuwar case.
The Nepal Army has acknowledged that Maina Sunuwar died following prolonged torture at the Nepal Army’s Birendra Peacekeeping Training Centre in Panchakhal on 17 February 2004.
However, it has refused to recognize civilian court jurisdiction as established by the Supreme Court’s September 2007 decision, and to surrender Major Niranjan Basnet to the Kavre District Court pursuant to a 31 January 2008 arrest warrant.
Nepal-civilian jurisdiction-press release-2010 (full text, PDF)
The ICJ is urging the Government of Nepal to produce Major Niranjan Basnet before Khavre District Court to face charges related to his alleged involvement in the unlawful killing of 15-year-old Maina Sunuwar.
Nepal-Nepal Army obstructing justice-press release-2009-eng (full text, PDF)
Nepal-Nepal Army obstructing justice-press release-2009-nep (full text, PDF)
Photo by Advocacy Forum / Robert Godden
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