CPN-UML has officially launched four-phased protest program to counter the arrest of its Chairman KP Sharma Oli.
Following an emergency secretariat meeting held at the party’s central office Saturday morning, the party announced its decision to initiate a "robust legal and political defense" of the former prime minister, while seeking the active support of civil society and the general public.
According to UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet, UML has outlined phased demonstrations. Sister organizations will hold protest rallies in all district headquarters across the country Saturday, starting at 3:00 PM.
On Sunday, district party committees will organize massive demonstrations at noon, culminating in the submission of formal protest letters to the respective chief district officers (CDOs).
The party has also resolved to initiate dialogue and cooperation with all political forces that support democracy and rule of law. A collaborative effort will be launched to engage civil society and the wider public in the movement against the arrest.
Chairman Oli was arrested from his residence Saturday morning on charges of "culpable homicide" related to the September 8 Gen-Z movement. Authorities allege negligence during the events of that day resulted in fatalities.
After his arrest, Oli was initially taken to the District Police Range, Kathmandu. He has since been moved to the TU Teaching Hospital (TUTH) for a medical examination. Hospital sources have confirmed that he has been admitted following the check-up.
The arrest follows a Cabinet meeting held on Friday, where the government decided to implement the recommendations of the Inquiry Commission's report regarding the incidents of September 8 and 9.