Amnesty International (AI) has appealed the government to immediately release human rights defenders, journalists and political detainees arrested from peaceful demonstrations.

The London based international watchdog in an urgent action issued in the name of Nepal government on 18 February has called for the immediate and unconditional release of rights activist Krishna Pahadi, representatives of civil society Dr Devendra Raj Pandey, Dr. Mathura Prasad Shrestha, journalist Shyam Shrestha and student leader Kundan Raj Kafle.

Krishna Pahadi, Devendra Raj Pandey and Mathura Prasad Shrestha are being held at the National Police Academy and Shyam Shrestha and Kundan Raj Kafle are being held at the Armed Police Force Barracks No. 2 in Ranibari.

The international watchdog has also expressed concern over detainees’ access to clean drinking water and proper medical attention.

The AI further said, “Although over 150 detainees were released on 14 and 16 February from detention centres in Kathmandu and other towns around the country, hundreds of people, including political leaders and human rights activists, continue to be arbitrarily detained.”

The AI urged the government that all detainees be held in an officially recognized place of detention and, in conformity with national law, be brought before a judicial authority promptly after detention and called for all the detainees to be granted immediate access to their relatives and a lawyer, and medical treatment if required.

The appeal has also been sent to the King and the Home Minister and Minister for Communication and Information among others

The AI also expressed concern over the recent curbs in political activities in the country.