Nepal’s former prime minister, KP Sharma Oli, was arrested Saturday as police investigate his potential negligence in preventing deaths during anti-corruption protests last September. At least 77 people were killed and over 2,300 injured in the demonstrations, sparked initially by a social media ban.
The arrests, which also included former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, follow a panel’s recommendation to prosecute Oli, 74, for failing to prevent the crackdown on the Gen Z-led protests. The violence contributed to the downfall of the previous government and led to new elections.
Balendra Shah, the country’s youngest ever leader, was recently sworn in and will lead a government facing significant public frustration with corruption and political instability. The new home minister stated the arrest marks “the beginning of justice.”