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Panel Wants Prosecution of Ousted Nepal PM Over Violence in Gen Z Protests
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 26, 2026
3 min readLast updated: March 26, 2026
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A high‑level commission investigating Nepal’s September 2025 Gen Z protests has recommended prosecuting former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli for “negligence” in failing to stop deadly firing. The report, blaming key officials, follows a crackdown that killed at least 76 protesters and wounded over
Panel wants prosecution of ousted Nepal PM over violence in Gen Z protests
Investigation and Recommendations on Nepal's Anti-Corruption Protests
By Gopal Sharma
KATHMANDU, March 26 (Reuters) - A Nepali panel set up to investigate the violence during anti-corruption protests in September last year has recommended that former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli be prosecuted for “negligence” for failing to prevent dozens of deaths.
The report comes two days before rapper-turned politician Balendra Shah is sworn in as the new prime minister after winning a landslide in the parliamentary election following the protests.
Panel Findings and Accountability
The panel held Oli, 74, responsible for not taking any action to stop hours of firing that killed at least 19 Gen Z protesters on the first day of anti-corruption demonstrations that forced him to resign.
A total of 76 people were killed and 2,522 wounded during two days of unrest, the panel said in its report released late on Wednesday night. The government had earlier said 77 people had died.
“As the executive head ... Oli should be held responsible for anything good or bad,” the 970-page report said in Nepali.
Other Officials Implicated
The report also held Oli’s home minister Ramesh Lekhak and the then police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung responsible and said they should be prosecuted. None of them could be immediately reached for comment.
Legal Consequences and Process
LENGTHY JAIL TERMS
If prosecuted as recommended by the panel, and found guilty by the court, all three could face up to 10 years in jail.
Criminal Investigation Required
But legal experts said the government must hold criminal investigations before formally charging them in court.
"It is not a charge sheet and they cannot be jailed on the basis of this report," said Dinesh Tripathi, a senior independent lawyer.
"There has to be a criminal investigation by police ... The government can file the case in the court only after that," he said, adding that the process could take at least a couple of months.
Next Steps and Political Responsibility
Analysts say whether or not to take forward the recommendations is the responsibility of Shah, 35, and his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
The panel also recommended action against dozens of other officials and security personnel for the crackdown.
Families of the victims of the protests have been demanding punishment for those who were responsible for the crackdown.
(Reporting by Gopal Sharma; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
Key Takeaways
- •The commission’s nearly 970‑page report recommends prosecuting Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and then‑police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung for negligence during the crackdown
- •The Gen Z protests were sparked by corruption and a sweeping social media ban; security forces’ response caused at least 76 deaths and thousands of injuries over two days
- •Human rights groups have criticized the excessive use of force, calling for transparent accountability—a stance echoed by the commission’s findings
Frequently Asked Questions about Panel wants prosecution of ousted Nepal PM over violence in Gen Z protests
1Why is former Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli facing potential prosecution?
A panel held Oli responsible for negligence in failing to prevent the deaths during last year's Gen Z anti-corruption protests.
2How many people died during the Nepal Gen Z protests?
At least 76 people were killed and 2,522 wounded during two days of unrest in September last year.
3Who else is being held responsible for the protest violence?
The panel also named Oli's home minister Ramesh Lekhak and then police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung as responsible parties.
4What triggered the anti-corruption protests in Nepal?
Anti-corruption demonstrations were sparked by the public's demand for transparency and brought down the Himalayan nation’s government.
5Where did the panel's findings come from?
The investigation panel released a 970-page report outlining findings and recommendations regarding the violence and government actions.
