A Statement from CIVICUS forwarded by the Asian Human Rights Commission The state of civic space in Pakistan is rated as ‘repressed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. Ongoing concerns include the repression...
JUSTICE FOR ADHIKARI COUPLE, SUPPORT THEIR SATYAGRAHA
Nanda Prasad Adhikari and Ganga Maya Adhikari are on a hunger strike from their hospital beds at Bir Hospital and have been for over 100 days now. They have been seeking justice for their son, Krishna Prasad Adhikari who was brutally murdered in 2004 during the Maoists insurgency. Their health is rapidly deteriorating. Their only demand before the government is to immediately investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to justice. This is the responsibility of the state. They were compelled to follow such extreme measures as and their efforts have brought no results after the passing of nine years. Ultimately, they decided to go on a hunger strike, putting their lives at risk. These elderly parents want to see justice done for their son, Krishna before they die so that they can believe there is rule of law in this country. The Adhikari couple is a symbol to hundreds and thousands of parents whose children were killed during the insurgency.
Justice and Rule of Law are above all, and everyone is entitled to justice. There must be zero tolerance for impunity. The Adhikari couple has become a symbol of the movement against impunity in Nepal. The perpetrators must be held accountable. Moment’s come in the history of a nation when silence becomes a crime. Break your silence and speak out for justice and the Rule of Law. Nanda Prasad Adhikari and Ganga Maya Adhikari should not be left to fight for this cause alone. We are all in this together. Let us express our solidarity for Justice and Rule of Law by showing our support by sending letters to the relevant authorities in Nepal.
Legal framework regarding torture: On the Convention against torture: Pakistan has not ratified the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment(CAT) but has signed it on April 17. Pakistan has also not signed the optional protocol. Convention is not made...