KATHMANDU, Nov 30: The Accountability Watch Committee (AWC) has raised objections to the extreme repression against the right to peacefully assemble and protest, as well as prohibiting the movement of Durga Prasai and his supporters.

According to a statement issued by the AWC, since November 23, Durga Prasai and his supporters, who are protesting under the slogan of ‘Saving Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Rescue Campaign', have been banned from walking on the streets by the Nepali government, with a ban on peaceful gatherings. Stating that people staying in hotels have been indiscriminately arrested, the AWC has drawn serious attention to the incidents of arrests and extreme repression.

“Every citizen has the equal right to enjoy the privileges granted by democracy. The freedom to assemble peacefully, express disagreement, organize processions and protest meetings, voice dissatisfaction against the state, and convey it to stakeholders are fundamental rights of the citizens. These rights are guaranteed by Article 17 (a) and (b) of Nepal's Constitution on Thought and Expression, the fundamental right to freedom of peaceful assembly and equality under Article 18, as well as Articles 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, and Article 3, 5, 7, and 9 of the Convention on Civil and Political Rights of 1966,” reads the statement.

The statement further reads, “Even the agitating party should use the right to freedom of thought and expression in moderation while putting forth their demands to prevent the creation of chaos and ensure that this right is not misused.” The AWC has also appealed to the Government of Nepal to take initiatives to address the just demands raised by Prasai and his supporters.

 
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