Nepal: Ex-PM Oli, Lekhak Arrested Over 2025 Protest Deaths; Court Hearing Today; UML Protests

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have been arrested in Nepal in connection with a deadly crackdown on anti-corruption protests in September 2025. The arrests follow investigations into the use of force against demonstrators during the Gen-Z movement, which resulted in 19 deaths according to an inquiry commission. Both leaders have been taken to the Kathmandu District Police Complex and are scheduled to appear in court today. The CPN-UML has convened an emergency meeting and announced street protests in response to Oli's arrest, raising political tensions in Kathmandu. Supporters and authorities are preparing for the court's decision regarding their detention. The inquiry commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki concluded that the deaths were due to negligence and carelessness of the then government. ## Latest Update The CPN-UML has convened an emergency Secretariat meeting to decide the party’s official stance after Chairman KP Sharma Oli was arrested. Secretary Mahesh Basnet stated that the meeting is scheduled for 8:30 am on Saturday and that the UML will begin street protests starting today. ## Timeline * **2026-03-28:** Former PM KP Sharma Oli and ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested over their alleged involvement in a deadly crackdown on protestors in September 2025. * **2026-03-28:** Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were taken into custody amid a probe into their roles during deadly anti-corruption protests last September, which killed 19 people. * **2026-03-28:** The CPN-UML convened an emergency Secretariat meeting and announced street protests following Oli’s arrest on charges linked to murder related to the 2025 protests. * **2026-03-29:** Former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak are set to be presented before the Kathmandu District Court today. ## What to Watch * **Court Decision:** The outcome of the court hearing regarding the detention of Oli and Lekhak will significantly impact the political landscape. * **UML Protests:** Monitor the scale and intensity of the UML protests, as they could escalate into wider civil unrest. * **Political Instability:** The arrests and subsequent reactions could further destabilize the political situation in Nepal.