Travel restrictions on former Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli were lifted today after he provided statements to commissions investigating violence during anti-corruption protests in September, which toppled his government, injured more than 2,000 people, and left another 77 dead.
Oli spoke to both the high-level judicial inquiry commission and the National Human Rights Commission on January 4, officials confirmed. The judicial commission was formed by an interim government, which took power in September and has promised to investigate corruption while preparing the country for elections in March.
The uprising was triggered by a government ban on social media, but fueled by widespread anger over corruption and nepotism. Oli has denied ordering police to shoot protesters, despite serving as both the head of government and the National Security Council at the time.
Oli had previously said he would not cooperate with the judicial commission, accusing it of political bias. But he finally agreed to speak, according to Bigyan Raj Sharma, a commission spokesperson.
"Our joint secretary went to his residence, and we have recorded the statement," said Sharma who declined to disclose specific details of the testimony, citing confidentiality protocols.
The commission issued a statement today confirming that Oli is now allowed to leave the area around the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu, and to travel abroad.
Oli served as prime minister three times, and is chair of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), or UML. Despite his government’s collapse following mass protests, he was elected in December to a third term as the party’s chair.
Another top UML member, Rajan Bhattarai, told OCCRP the party remains sceptical of the judicial commission's leadership.
"We are for a credible, impartial, and independent investigation,” said Bhattarai, but added that “the question now is the credibility of the chair of the commission who has already posted his opinion without investigation."
The inquiry commission is led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki who posted to social media during the uprising that politicians, including Oli, should not be allowed to “flee” the country.
Separately, Oli appeared in person at the National Human Rights Commission offices on the afternoon of January 4, and underwent questioning for more than two hours.
"He has given his statement, and we are currently analyzing it," Lily Thapa, the rights commission member leading the probe, told OCCRP. "Our questions focused on his role and the incidents that occurred. We had around 30 to 35 questions, and he has answered them."
Both commissions are now in the final stages of their work, having already interviewed former ministers, the mayor of Kathmandu, security chiefs, protesters, injured victims, and the families of the deceased.
The reports, expected to be submitted within three weeks, will likely play a critical role in the lead-up to general elections planned for March.
