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Former Nepal Leaders Arrested Over Gen Z Protests

3/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

KP Sharma Oli, former Nepal prime minister, and Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Minister, were arrested on March 28, 2026 after a government panel recommended prosecution over roles in Gen Z protests.
Gen Z protests sparked by a social media ban last September left 76 dead.
New Prime Minister Balendra Shah promised accountability, and the investigation found authorities failed to prevent violence, with Oli and Lekhak facing up to ten years.

History

Historical Context

In 2025, widespread protests erupted in Nepal after the government banned 26 social media platforms, leading to violent clashes that resulted in 76 deaths. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba faced backlash for his handling of the unrest, which highlighted ongoing struggles for democratic governance. The protests, fueled by youth discontent, underscored deep-rooted issues of accountability and civil rights in Nepal's political landscape.

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Story summary

KP Sharma Oli, former Nepal prime minister, and Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Minister, were arrested on March 28, 2026 after a government panel recommended prosecution over roles in Gen Z protests.
Gen Z protests sparked by a social media ban last September left 76 dead.
New Prime Minister Balendra Shah promised accountability, and the investigation found authorities failed to prevent violence, with Oli and Lekhak facing up to ten years.

1 / 2