Rights group concerned over prepartions to appoint Sapkota as speaker

Published On: January 23, 2020 07:50 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

Members of civil society stage a demonstration to protest preparations by the ruling Nepal Communist Party to appoint former Maoist leader Agni Sapkota as speaker of the lower house of parliament, at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Sapkota has been accused in an insurgency-era murder and a court case is pending against him. Photo: Dipesh Shrestha/Republica

KATHMANDU, Jan 23: Inhured International, an NGO working in the human rights sector, has expressed serious concerns over the nomination of Agni Sapkota for speaker of the House of Representatives.

Sapkota is one of the accused in an insurgency-era murder in Kaverpalanchowk.

Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the organization said that the state has a responsibility to ensure that the name of the person being elected as speaker is fully cleared following a thorough investigation before any appointment in the public position.

“The nomination of Sapkota contradicts Nepal’s commitments, as expressed during the UPR and relevant HR committees and Human Rights Council, where Nepal is also a member,” the organzation said in the statement.

The membership of Nepal in Human Rights Council adds aggravated responsibility on Government of Nepal in ensuring rule of law and human rights in home and globe. “In this context, we urge that under no circumstances, such a person should be assigned the responsibility of speaker,” added the statement.