Archive ref no: NCA-18696
Document - Nepal: Further information on Prisoners of conscience
PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 31/011/2001
Further information on UA 142/01 (ASA 31/010/2001, 19 June 2001) - Prisoners of conscience
NEPAL Yubaraj Ghimirey, editor-in-chief of Kantipur
Binod Raj Gyawali, director of Kantipur
Kailash Sirohiya, managing director of Kantipur
Editor-in-chief of the main Nepali newspaper Kantipur, Yubaraj Ghimirey, and his colleagues, Binod Raj Gyawali and Kailash Sirohiya, have been released.
On 15 June the three men were brought before the Special Court in Kathmandu and charged under Section 4.1 of the 1989 Anti-State Crimes and Penalties Act, which says that: "In case any person foments hatred, malice, or contempt towards His Majesty the King or the royal family, directly or indirectly, by letters, words, signs or postures, or in any other manner, or causes this to be done, or attempts to do so, or instigates other to do so, he shall be punished with imprisonment for a maximum term of three years or with a fine not exceeding Rs [Rupees] 3,000 [US$40] or with both."
Yubaraj Ghimirey was released against paying a bail deposit of 2000 Rs (US$27). Binod Raj Gyawali and Kailash Sirohiya were not required to deposit bail. The three have been asked to report to the Special Court from time to time until the case can be tried before the court.
The three men were arrested on 6 June after Kantipur’s publication of an article by Dr Baburam Bhattarai, one of the leaders of the underground Communist Party of Nepal (CPN)(Maoist). The article alleged that the recent killings of members of the Nepalese royal family were brought about by a political conspiracy.
No further action is required. Thank you to all who sent appeals.