Nepal: Release of Mr. Lila Mani Pokhrel

Case NPL 100605.1 - Follow-up to case NPL 100605

Release

Geneva, 10 March 2006

The International Secretariat of OMCT has received new information on the following situation in Nepal.

New information

The International Secretariat of OMCT has been informed by the Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC), a member of the OMCT network, that Mr. Lila Mani Pokhrel, was released on 17 February 2006.

Reminder of the situation

According to the information received, provided by INSEC, Mr. Lila Mani Pokhrel was arrested on 1 February 2005 and was held in custody at the Armed Police Gan No. 2, which is located in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. Throughout his time in custody, Mr. Pokhrel was prohibited from having visits from anyone other than his family and even they were only allowed to meet him in restricted circumstances. While in custody, Mr. Pokhrel’s health deteriorated and the authorities refused to allow him access to proper medical care. He was suffering from kidney problems, RHS-paralysis, hernia and diabetes. Despite repeated requests for medical treatment, and offers from him and his family to pay for treatment, the authorities refused to comply with these requests. Mr. Lila Mani Pokhrel is the Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Front Nepal and is also a member of the lower house of Parliament.

Remarks

OMCT wishes to thank all of the individuals and organizations that have taking action as a response to the urgent appeal and have written to the Nepalese authorities on behalf of Mr. Lila Mani Pokhrel. No further action is currently required on your part concerning this case.

***
Geneva, 10 March 2006