By NNN-PTI,
Kathmandu : Nepal has released three pro-Tibetan activists, including two Nepalese nationals arrested for their alleged involvement in anti-China activities, following a Supreme Court order which ruled their detention was illegal.
The released Nawang Sangmo, Tashi Dolma — both Nepalese nationals — and Tibetan refugee Kelsang Chung, were arrested on June 19 from their respective homes in Kathmandu for launching protests against Chinese government undermining Nepal’s “one China policy”.
Justices Min Bahadur Rayamajhi and Top Bahadur Magar said the accused were arrested without mentioning the effect of their activities on peace and security in Nepal, hence their detention was illegal.
The detained activists had been handed three month prison sentence under the Public Security Act.
“There is no basis for reaching a conclusion that they threatened peace and security just by chanting slogans,” the judges said in their ruling.
The United States and international human rights groups had expressed serious concern over the detention arrest of the three activists and demanded their immediate release.
Since March 10, when dozens of Tibetan demonstrators were killed following a crackdown by the Chinese military in Lhasa, pro-Tibetan activists have been regularly staging protests in front of the Chinese Embassy and the United Nations Office in Nepal demanding human rights and freedom in the region.
In a massive crackdown on anti-China protesters in the country, police in Nepal arresting hundreds of activists, who were later released.
The three activists were however detained for over two weeks on allegations that they led protesters in the Nepalese capital and may have connection with Dalai Lama.