The recent activities and behavior of the state against the chairman of Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RASWPA) Ravi Lamichhane has raised serious questions about the essence of democracy. Transferring elected representatives in the middle of the night, suppressing demonstrations by using force on supporters and causing mental and physical stress to Lamichhane is highly inhumane and undemocratic.
The recent activities and behavior of the state against the president of Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RASWPA) Ravi Lamichhane has raised serious questions about the essence of democracy. Transferring elected representatives in the middle of the night, suppressing protests by using force on supporters and inflicting mental and physical stress on Lamichhane is highly inhumane and undemocratic.
Police have charged Lamichhane with cooperative fraud, organized crime and money laundering. However, instead of going through the legal process with proof of such allegations, exhibiting vindictive behavior is not only a mockery of the rule of law, but also a conspiracy to undermine democracy. This incident has brought the government's intentions into doubt. Major opposition leaders, some leaders within the ruling party and human rights activists have strongly criticized the treatment of Ravi.
Lamichhane's behavior is an attack on the fundamental rights of citizens. By silently accepting the injustice done to him today, the same situation may happen to someone else tomorrow. The state should embrace the principle that no person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Condemning the treatment of Lamichhane, the Human Rights Commission, courts and all conscious citizens need to put pressure on the government to realize its responsibility.
– Santosh Simkhada, Tokyo, Japan
