Amnesty demands release of Nepal's student leaders

[struggle4progress]

<snip> Declaring Thapa, ex-general secretary of the Nepal Students Union, as prisoner of conscience, the London-based outfit has demanded authorities treat him and other six student leaders, who were detained last week, humanely and allow them legal access as well as required medical attention.

Thapa, who led a number of anti-King demonstrations in Kathmandu, was arrested for allegedly raising slogans against King Gyanendra at a recent pro-democracy demonstration in the capital. Thapa was released only last month on a court order after spending four months in jail. AI has also expressed concern over the possible torture on student leaders during detention.

Thapa is a prisoner of conscience and is being detained solely for legitimate expression of his opinions, AI said in a statement. Thapa was arrested on July 27 and has been sent to jail for seven days and will be tried for sedition under the "Offence against the State Act," sources close to Nepal Students Union said. <snip>

http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jul312005/update102152005731.asp