KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has announced protests against the arrest of former Prime Minister and party chairman K.P. Sharma Oli. According to party secretary Mahesh Basnet, the demonstrations are being organized to oppose what the party describes as political revenge and to defend democratic values.

Basnet, speaking on Facebook, urged party supporters to join the protests, stating: “Let us participate in the demonstrations starting today to protect the country from politics of revenge and to uphold democratic principles. Details of the program will be shared shortly.”

Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested early Saturday morning over allegations of using force against protesters during the Gen-Z movement on September 08, 2025. Basnet claimed that the arrests could escalate political tensions in the country and reflect acts of bias and retaliation.

He also criticized the police, noting: “It is disheartening to see thousands of police deployed to arrest leaders who fought for democracy, while they failed to protect government property or even their own police posts during the Gen Z protests.”