Krishna Pahadi, a leading Nepali human rights activist, has been awarded honorary citizenship by the Italian city of Termini Imerese.
According to the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES), Mayor of the Italian city awarded ‘honorary citizenship’ of his city to Pahadi amidst a function on Wednesday. A felicitation letter handed over to Pahadi read: The honorary citizenship had been awarded in recognition of commitment and personal sacrifices made by Pahadi for the cause of human rights and peace.
Pahadi is the founder chairperson of HURPES. He was arrested, along with his colleagues, while staging a demonstration against the royal takeover in February this year. He was released after several months when he declared that he would go on hunger strike making several demands.
A bachelor, who always dons yellow clothes, Pahadi has been spearheading the ‘Citizens’ Movement for Peace and Democracy’ along with other eminent citizens of civil society. He was also in the forefront when civil society members decided to violate so-called restrictions imposed by the government in peaceful assembly in Ratna Park area.
Pahadi is currently touring various European countries to mobilise support for the peaceful movement in Nepal calling for restoration of peace and democracy.
Wedged between the sea on the northern coast of Sicily and the steeply-rising slopes of Monte San Calogero, Termini Imerese is a city rich in history and cultural integration. Its name derives from the Latin “Thermae Himerness” or “Hot Springs of Himera.” Remains of arched Roman aqueducts are visible at Termini Imerese. Its culture has also been influenced by Greek colonists, invading Carthaginians, Saracens, Normans and others, said an official website. The population of the historic city is nearly 30,000.