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Nepali king urged to release trade unionist
22 February 2006
The ITF has called for the release of a trade unionist, held for three weeks in detention in Dhangadhi City, Nepal, as part of a wave of assaults on democracy by the country’s king.
Bhakata Bahadur Karki, an adviser to the national committee of the ITF-affiliated union Nepal Yatayat Mazdoor Sangh (Nepal Transport Labour Association) and Far Western Regional President of the Nepal Trade Union Congress, was arrested on 26 January. More than 40 trade unionists, also arrested late last month, were subsequently released; Karki remains imprisoned.
The anti-union attacks took place against the backdrop of municipal elections on 8 February, which opposition parties claim were undemocratic and designed purely to legitimate King Gyanendra’s power.
In a letter to the king on 13 February, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft stated: “It is of course unacceptable in today’s world that trade unionists, or others, are detained for expressing democratic views. I am sure you also recognise that this type of detention is not the path to future national peace and prosperity.”
He added: “I would therefore urge you most respectfully to use your royal office to achieve the release of Mr Bhakata Bahadur Karki and to seek progressive dialogue with those seeking a return to democratic governance.”
A year ago, King Gyanendra sacked the country's government and declared a state of emergency in what has been regarded as a serious setback for democracy.
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