Showing posts with label C. K. Raut. Show all posts
Showing posts with label C. K. Raut. Show all posts

Friday, November 07, 2014

Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales Writes To PM On Raut



Chair: Kirsty Brimelow QC │ Vice-Chair: Sudanshu Swaroop
Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) | 53-54 Doughty Street | London WC1N 2LS |
e-mail: coordination@barhumanrights.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7404 1313 ext. 359 | website: www.barhumanrights.org.uk

The Right Honourable Mr Sushil Koirala
Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Singh Durbar
Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O. Box: 23312
SENT BY EMAIL AND POST
London, 6 November 2014


Your Excellency,
RE: Dr Chandra Kant Raut charged with sedition

I am writing on behalf of the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC). The BHRC is the international human rights arm of the Bar of England and Wales. It is an independent body primarily concerned with the protection of the rights of advocates and judges around the world. The Committee is also concerned with defending the rule of law and internationally recognised legal standards relating to human rights and the right to a fair trial.

The BHRC is contacting you regarding the arrest and prosecution of Madhesi activist Chandra Kant Raut. As you will be aware, on 14 September 2014, Dr Raut was placed under detention for allegedly inciting separatism in the Madhes region of Nepal under S. 2(1)(k) of the Some Public (Crime and Punishment) Act, 2027 (1970).

1 Then, on 8 October 2014, Dr Raut was charged with subversion contrary to S. 3(1) of the Crime against State and Punishment Act, 2046 (1989) for allegedly inciting separatism in the Madhes region of Nepal, an offence that carries a sentence of life imprisonment.2 Of note, on 20 September 2014, Dr Raut began a hunger strike to protest his arrest for denouncing discrimination of marginalised groups and peacefully demanding autonomy for his region. On 1 October 2014, as Dr Raut’s condition became critical, he was visited in hospital by Nepali Congress Party leader and Minister of Information and Communication Minendra Rijal and Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist) leader and Minister of Agriculture Hari Prasad Parajuli. The two Ministers pleaded with Dr Raut to break his fast and gave a written commitment to respect Dr Raut’s freedom of expression. On that occasion, the Vice-President of the Nepali Congress Party Ram Chandra Poudel also visited Dr Raut and made an oral commitment that the charges would not be proceeded with against him.

However, the following week Dr Raut was charged with sedition under the Crime against State and Punishment Act, 2046 (1989). On 15 October 2014, the Special Court granted bail, but Dr Raut refused release on bail as he considered that he would be rearrested immediately on a different charge; the prosecution had stated in court that there was enough evidence to charge Dr Raut with the offence of

The BHRC respectfully draws to the attention of the Government of Nepal Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Nepal has been a party since 1991, and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which enshrine the right to freedom of expression. Nepal has also ratified the First Optional Protocol of the ICCPR. Nepal’s commitment to human rights and the right to freedom of expression are also reflected in Article 12 (3)(a) of the currently in force Interim Constitution 2007.

Limitations to the right to freedom of expression are legitimate only if they fall within the very narrow conditions defined in the three-part test in Article 19(3) of the ICCPR; these restrictions must be ‘provided by law and necessary’, and there must be a legitimate aim to impose such restrictions.

Similarly, Article 12 of Nepal’s Interim Constitution 2007 allows only for the imposition of ‘reasonable restrictions’ to the right to freedom of expression. The BHRC respectfully submits that the restrictions to Dr Raut’s freedom of expression do not pass the three-part test in Article 19(3) of the ICCPR.

First, the formulation of the offence under S. 3(1) of the Crime against State and Punishment Act, 2046 (1989), with which Dr Raut is charged, does not meet the required standards of clarity and precision, leaving it open to abuse and political expediency.

Second, the current position in international law regarding the balance between national security and expression is that it is illegitimate to criminalise simple speech when no imminent violence is being incited with intent, as in the case of Dr Raut.

Third, limitations to freedom of expression are such as are necessary in a democratic society. The purpose must never be to shield governments from peaceful opposition. In this respect, the Crime against State and Punishment Act, 2046 (1989) is a piece of legislation drafted at the twilight of the Panchayat autocracy (1960-1990). This piece of legislation was enacted to repress dissent and curb the efforts of pro-democracy activists, and as such it has no place in a democracy.

The BHRC therefore respectfully requests the Government of Nepal and appropriate institutions to call to account the current actions that have led to Dr. Raut’s loss of liberty with a view to securing his release without fear of further arrests. Further, it should reconsider the appropriateness of the Crime against State and Punishment Act 2046 (1989). The BHRC calls upon the authorities to ensure the internationally protected right to freedom of expression to all Nepali citizens in order to preserve the rule of law and administration of justice in Nepal. This is particularly important at this delicate moment of negotiations over the new constitutional settlement.

Yours sincerely,
Kirsty Brimelow QC
Chair, Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC)
Cc : Embassy of Nepal in the UK
Cc : British Embassy in Nepal


1 S.2 – Prohibition to commit some public crime (1) No person shall commit any of the following acts: (k) To commit any act or express anything, which causes intimidation or terror in general public and breaks public peace, by entering or not entering in any public gathering, assembly or demonstration; or to show weapon. See: http://www.lawcommission.gov.np/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=25&func=startdown&id=611&lang=en

2 S.3 (1) – If someone causes or attempts to cause any disorder with an intention to jeopardize the sovereignty, integrity or national unity of Nepal, he/she shall be liable for life imprisonment. See: http://www.lawcommission.gov.np/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=25&func=fileinfo&id=712&lang=enChair: Kirsty Brimelow QC │ Vice-Chair: Sudanshu Swaroop

Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) | 53-54 Doughty Street | London WC1N 2LS |
e-mail: coordination@barhumanrights.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7404 1313 ext. 359 | website: www.barhumanrights.org.uk cybercrime for posting political material on his website, and the reportedly outstanding case under the Some Public (Crime and Punishment) Act, 2027 (1970).

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

CK Raut Has To Be Released Unconditionally And Immediately

Gandhi Also Refused To Pay Bail

No ifs and buts. The arrest was wrong. And he has to be released unconditionally and immediately.

The courts could do it. The courts could release him unconditionally and immediately.

The Prime Minister could do it. The Prime Minister could release him unconditionally and immediately.

The Home Minister could do it. The Home Minister could release him unconditionally and immediately.

Accept that you made a mistake in arresting him. Apologize. And let him go.

That is my opinion. That is the opinion of all the top human rights organizations in the world.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

सीके राउत र म

First "Free CK Raut" Event Outside South Asia



सीके राउतलाई मैले केही वर्ष अगाडि बोस्टनमा भेट्ने मौका पाएको हुँ। मधेसी क्रान्ति दौरानका मेरा सबै ब्लॉग पोस्टहरु पढेको भने राउतले। म उनको कम्प्यूटर विज्ञानको गहिरो ज्ञानबाट धेरै प्रभावित मान्छे। सीके राउतको बौद्धिक स्तरको मान्छे नेपालमा र नेपाली डायस्पोरामा कमै होलान।

विदेश पढ्न गएको मान्छे फर्कियो त सीके राउत नेपाल। के हाल गरेको छ नेपालले!

पहिले राजनीतिक कुरा स्पष्ट पारदिउ। म नेपालमा संघीयता र दक्षिण एशियामा आर्थिक एकीकरण चाहेको मान्छे हो। मैले मधेश अलग देशको कल्पना गरेको छैन। मधेसीप्रति भएको विभेदको समाधान मेरो विचारमा संघीयता हो, संघीयता र क्षेत्रीय आर्थिक एकीकरण। त्यस अर्थमा सीकेको र मेरो विचार फरक छ।

तर मधेसी प्रति भएको विभेदबारे सीकेले आफ्नो आत्मजीवनीमा जस्तो स्पष्ट लेखेका छन, त्यो मधेसी नेतृत्वको इतिहासमा पहिलो हो। त्यो विभेद छ भन्ने कुरामा हाम्रो कड़ा सहमति छ। पहाड़ी बदमाशीको मेरो कडुवा अनुभवको शुरुवात मैले SLC दिनु केही महिना अगाडि देखिको हो।

म बुढानीलकण्ठ स्कुलमा पढ़ेको। ४ क्लासदेखि कक्षामा सधैं प्रथम। ५ क्लासमा हाउस कैप्टेन भएको, फेरि १० क्लासमा। मिडिल स्कुलमा बेस्ट ऐक्टर अवार्ड पाएको, स्कुलको मेन्टल अरिथमेटिक चैंपियन भएको। १० क्लासमा हाउस कैप्टेन भएर मैले जे काम गरें त्यो स्कुलको इतिहासमा त्यति बेलासम्म अरु कुनै हाउस कैप्टेनले गरेको मलाई थाहा छैन। मैले SLC दिनु केही महिना अगाडि तर स्कुल चलाएर बसेका ब्रिटिश र बाहुनहरुले भने मेरो जिन्दगीको नक्शा फेरि दिए। म बराक ओबामाको न्यु यर्कको पहिलो फुल टाइम भोलूण्टियर पछि त्यसै भएको होइन। जीवनराज वाग्ले र सुदर्शन रिजालको बदमाशीले मेरो जिन्दगीको नक्शा बदलिदियो।

तपाईंले पानी देख्नु हुन्छ तर पानी भन्ने शब्द थाहा छैन भने तपाईंले त्यसलाई के भन्नुहुन्छ? अहिले मैले छोटकरीमा भन्न खोजेको हो। यहाँ ठाउँ पनि र समय पनि कम छ, विस्तृतमा पछि कुनै बेला लेखौंला। नेपालमा मधेसी क्रान्ति भयो, मैले न्यु यर्कमा त्यसकालागि फुल टाइम दिएँ।

मधेसी प्रतिको विभेद एक फ़्लैश मैं देखें, गोराको racism एक फ़्लैश मैं देखें, तर देखेको कुरा व्यक्त गर्न, राम्रोसँग बुझ्न, शब्दहरु खोज्न वर्षौं लाग्यो। भएको र भइरहेको विभेदबारे सके जतिले कुरा गरेको राम्रो, लेखेको राम्रो।

तर राजनीति आत्मकथाको आधारमा गरिदैन, आत्म कथा शुरुवात हुन सक्छ, तर राजनीति मेरो लागि बिज्ञान हो। प्रथम चैप्टर लोकतंत्र, दोस्रो चैप्टर संघीयता, तेस्रो र सबैभन्दा महत्वपुर्ण चैप्टर हो आर्थिक क्रान्ति। संघीयताको मुद्दामा बेइमानी गर्ने जुन प्रयासहरु भैराखेका छन, त्यसले आर्थिक क्रान्तिको सम्भावनाहरुलाई डिस्टर्ब गरिरहेको छ।

आर्थिक क्रान्ति तर सबैकालागि हो।

सीकेको बाटो अहिंसाको बाटो हो। कुनै सदस्य राज्यले चाहेमा जनमत संग्रहको आधारमा अलग देश बन्न पाउने संघीयता उच्च कोटिको संघीयता  हो। बालकोनीमा बसेर फिल्म हेर्ने ऑप्शन छ भने थर्ड क्लासमा किन बसेर हेर्ने? वामदेव र सुशीलको संघीयता थर्ड क्लासको छ। आत्म निर्णयको अधिकार सहितको संघीयता अब त बॉटम लाइन भइसक्यो।

अर्को कुरा मधेशका २२ जिल्लालाई तोड़ताड़ गर्न पाइएन। कैलाली, कन्चनपुर, चितवन, झापा, मोरंग सब मधेशका जिल्लाहरु हुन।

प्रथम कुरा सीकेको रिहाईको हो। मानव अधिकारको हनन गर्न पाइँदैन। त्यसपछि आत्म निर्णयको अधिकार सहितको संघीयता, मधेशका २२ जिल्लालाई तोड़ताड़ नगर्ने संघीयताको हो।

त्यसपछि जाने जनतामा हो। सीकेले मधेश स्वराज पार्टी खोले भो। पाइन्छ। कुनै राज्यको संसदले बहुमतका आधारमा अलग देश बन्नकालागि जनमत संग्रह गराउन पाइन्छ।

अहिलेको तत्कालको गाँठी कुरा सीकेको रिहाईको नै हो। यो संघीयता र स्वराजको मुद्दा होइन, मानव अधिकारको मुद्दा हो। २००६ अप्रिलको लोकतान्त्रिक क्रान्ति पर्याप्त भएन, अर्को आन्दोलन, अर्को क्रान्ति गर्नु पर्ने भो भन्ने सन्देश वामदेव र सुशीलले दिइ रहेको अवस्था छ।

सीकेलाई तुरुन्त र बिना शर्त रिहाई गर भन्ने नाराकासाथ मधेश बन्द गर्नु बाहेक अर्को विकल्प यो सरकारले छोड़े जस्तो मलाई लाग्दैन।

बिखण्डनकारीलाई राज्यले बैधता दिएको मधेसवादी दलको ठहर
‘नेपाल आमा’ को सिके राउतलाई पत्र
असमानता हटाउन स्वायत्त मधेश प्रदेशः ठाकुर
राज्य व्यवस्थापन गर्न नसके विभाजन हुन्छ

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

बाबा वामदेवको बाप



CK Raut Autobiography

Universal Declaration Of Human Rights भनेको यदि नेपालको अंतरिम संविधान वामदेव गौतमले लेखेको हो भने, त्यस संविधानको बाप हो। Universal Declaration Of Human Rights सँग बाझिने नेपालमा यदि कुनै संविधान छ अथवा कुनै कानुन छ भने त्यो संविधान र त्यो कानुन अमान्य हुन्छ।

अहिंसाको बाटोमा हिँडेर Universal Declaration Of Human Rights द्वारा प्रदान गरिएको आफ्नो Right to free speech र Right to peaceful assembly प्रयोग गर्दै हिँडेका सीके राउतलाई हिरासतमा लिएको यो सरकारले जघन्य अपराध गरेको छ।

मधेसीलाई सयकडौं वर्षदेखि गरिएको शोषण र दमनको मुद्दा त आफ्नो ठाउँमा छँदैछ। त्यो मुद्दाको न्यायपूर्ण निर्क्यौल यस संविधान सभाले ननिकाले राजनीतिक जटिलताहरु थपिंदै जाने निश्चित छ। तर त्यो secondary मुद्दा हो अहिले। अहिले तत्कालको मुद्दा Universal Declaration Of Human Rights को नै हो।