Nepal's former prime minister KP Sharma Oli has been arrested over his alleged involvement in a deadly crackdown on protests last year. More than 70 people were killed, many of them protesters shot by police, during an uprising in September which was sparked by a social media ban but fueled by simmering anger over corruption and poor economic conditions. Ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested after a panel appointed to investigate the unrest recommended the pair be prosecuted for criminal negligence.

This comes a day after the nation's new prime minister, 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah, was sworn in following an election triggered by the crisis. Kathmandu Valley police spokesman Om Adhikari stated that They were arrested this morning and the process will move forward according to the law. At present, neither Oli, who is 74, nor Lekhak, who is 62, have been formally charged.

Oli has previously dismissed the findings of the investigating commission, labeling them as character assassination and hate politics. His legal representatives argue that his detention is unwarranted at this stage of the investigation, insisting that there is no risk of him fleeing or avoiding questioning.

On Instagram, new Home Minister Sudan Gurung, a prominent figure during the protests, welcomed the arrests, stating, No one is above the law... This is not revenge against anyone, just the beginning of justice. The protests have been marked by frustrations over high unemployment, a stagnant economy, and widespread reports of corruption in politics. Families of the deceased have been active in demanding accountability from government officials since the tragic events of last year.