Nepal's former prime minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested Saturday morning at his residence in connection with the deadly crackdown on youth-led protests that swept the country in September 2025. The 74-year-old politician was taken into custody alongside former home minister Ramesh Lekhak following recommendations from an investigative commission that examined the violent suppression of demonstrations.
The arrests stem from what became known as the Gen Z protests, which began as opposition to a government ban on social media platforms but quickly evolved into broader anti-corruption demonstrations. Over 70 people died during the unrest, many shot by police during the government's harsh response to the uprising that ultimately forced Oli from power.
They were arrested this morning and the process will move forward according to the law
Om Adhikari, Kathmandu Valley police spokesman — AFP
An investigative panel led by former Special Court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki recommended that Oli and Lekhak be prosecuted under Nepal's National Penal Code for criminal negligence, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. The commission found that while no direct order to shoot protesters was established, authorities failed to prevent or control the deadly use of firearms.
Oli was hospitalized following his arrest as part of routine police procedure, given his age and medical history of two kidney transplants. His legal team has challenged the detention, arguing there is no flight risk that would justify the arrest at this stage of the investigation.
The BBC provides factual coverage emphasizing the legal process and medical considerations around Oli's detention. It highlights the new government's response and the ongoing political tensions surrounding the arrests.