Nepal imposes travel ban on ex-Prime Minister over protest violence
Demonstrators jump from the entrance wall of Nepal's Parliament building during a protest in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, condemning social media prohibitions and corruption by the government. (Photo by PRABIN RANABHAT / AFP)
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Youth-led protests that began on September 8 over a brief social media ban, economic hardship and corruption quickly morphed into nationwide fury after a deadly crackdown.
Two days of violence left at least 73 people dead, the parliament and government offices were burned down, and forced the government's collapse.
In addition to Oli, travel bans have been placed on former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, former head of the National Investigation Department security agency, Hutaraj Thapa, and two other senior bureaucrats.
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who is leading the Himalayan nation until elections in March 2026, set up a commission to probe the violence.
The restrictions were recommended Sunday by the commission.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal told AFP on Monday that the ban is "already in effect."
Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma said in a statement on Sunday that the five men must obtain permission to even leave the Kathmandu Valley as they "may need to appear for investigation at any time".
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) estimates the private sector, including automobile, hotel and retail industries, endured losses worth $600 million.
Former prime minister Oli has blamed "infiltrators" for inciting bloodshed and alleges rifles used in the protests came from another source.
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