THE HAGUE: The Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB), founded in The Hague in 2019, welcomed the June 1, 2026, release of Mr. Chaturman Tamang and Mr. Hasta Bahadur Rai from Chamgang Central Prison.

Granted a royal pardon by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck after over 18 years of imprisonment, their release follows years of advocacy by GCRPPB alongside Human Rights Watch, the European Union, and the UN Human Rights Council.

However, the GCRPPB strongly condemned Bhutan’s immediate deportation of both men into India without identity documents or prison release certificates.

Denied entry to Nepal due to this lack of paperwork, they were left stranded at the border town of Panitanki and are now temporarily staying with relatives in India.

The GCRPPB noted this leaves them highly vulnerable and restricts their freedom of movement and access to aid.

The GCRPPB is calling on Bhutan, Nepal, India, and the international community to ensure the safety and dignity of Mr. Tamang and Mr. Rai.

Global Coordinator Ram Karki emphasized that the campaign will continue until the remaining 28 political prisoners are unconditionally freed, urging the Bhutanese government to grant further pardons, improve prison conditions, and ensure proper documentation upon release.