As new Nepal PM takes charge, panel seeks prosecution of Oli over deadly Gen Z protests

A government-backed inquiry in Nepal has recommended prosecuting former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and senior officials over the deadly September 2025 uprising, according to a leaked report.The protests, triggered by a brief social media ban but fuelled by deep economic discontent, left at least 77 people dead. Nineteen of them — mostly young protesters — were killed on the first day as security forces cracked down.The report, according to AFP, finds that Oli and then interior minister Ramesh Lekhak failed to act to prevent escalating violence. It also recommended action against former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung.While investigators found no clear order to open fire, they concluded that authorities made no effort to halt the shooting, and that “negligent conduct” led to civilian deaths, including minors. The unrest spiralled the next day, with government buildings set ablaze and the crisis ultimately forcing the government to collapse.Oli, a four-time prime minister, lost elections earlier this month. A new government led by Balendra Shah is set to take office on Thursday.In the immediate aftermath of the violence, former chief justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim prime minister and set up the inquiry.The commission interviewed more than 200 people and compiled a 900-page report with thousands of pages of supporting material. Though the government has indicated it will release the findings, the report has not yet been made public — even as victims’ families demand accountability.