More messages have been coming in about the situation of the protesters arrested in Nepal. Because at least one of them, Madhu, is a friend of a friend, and has been a long standing friend to the U.S. through his work taking care of Peace Corps Volunteers, I'm going to put up a message I just received:
Friends and family,
Many of you have heard my stress recently regarding our Peace Corps Doctor in Nepal, Dr. Madhu Ghimire, having been arrested during the ongoing pro-democracy protests. He and 23 professional colleagues were arrested April 8th during a peaceful protest in Kathmandu. (I've attached photos to give you a picture of the situation on the ground). Over the course of the last 15 days, it is estimated that 120,000 Nepalese people have been arrested or detained by the Armed Police or the Royal Nepalese Army. I know 3 people personally, which makes this particularly scary for me.
A core group of 5 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who served in Nepal and were treated by Dr. Madhu are working hard to gain access to him via Human Rights organizations (including Amnesty International, Physicians for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, the UN, etc). Dr. Madhu's wife was able to visit him very briefly with a Nepalese Human Rights Agency escort and reports that his treatment is fair, but that he is sick and weak. Comparatively speaking, he is being treated very humanely. Estimates vary, but it is entirely possible that 100,000 people are being detained in horrendous conditions, with no access to toilets, water or food. The King today announced that he would be handing over some of his power, but did not give a timeline. (The King dismissed the Parliament and thus claimed all power over the government in February 2005).
In an effort to free Dr. Madhu, his comrades and eventually the 120,000+/- prisioners of conscience, I ask that you please sign the petition found by following this link to the Friends of Nepal site.
If you are interested in learning more about the situation, please follow these links:
Photos and international news sites:
The Global Nomads may be interested. BTW, there is a like-minded meeting/HH at the Banana Cafe (Eastern Market) tonight, if you are interested.
I'm sure that the Nepalese with whom you work are anxious about the situation at home. There is a similar petition being worked on at Amnesty International to release the other 120,000+/- prisoners, too. I'll send that link, too, when I receive word that it is complete.
Thanks call -- "Dhanyabaad"
Spread the word.
Posted by binky at April 21, 2006 04:07 PM | TrackBack | Posted to International Affairs