|
President Ram Chandra Poudel also dissolved parliament and set
March 5 as the date for elections based on the recommendation of
the new prime minister, the president's office said in a
statement late Friday. The most recent legislative elections
were held in 2022.
Karki, a popular figure while serving as the court's only female
chief justice in 2016 and 2017, was sworn in by the president
Friday in a small ceremony at the presidential residence that
was broadcast on state-run television.
Karki, 73, was known for her stand against corruption in the
government while serving as chief justice. Some lawmakers tried
to impeach her in April 2017 and made accusations of bias, but
the move was unsuccessful and criticized as an attack on the
judiciary.
Street demonstrations began Monday in the capital Kathmandu over
a social media ban turned violent, with protesters attacking
government buildings and police opening fire. Though the ban was
rescinded, unrest continued over broader grievances. Tens of
thousands of protesters attacked and burned the parliament,
presidential residence and businesses.
The violence prompted Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli to resign
Tuesday and flee his official residence. Nepal’s army took
control of the capital Tuesday night and negotiations between
protesters, the army and the president began over an interim
government.
Violence over the past week left at least 51 people dead, police
said Friday.
Many of the dead were protesters killed by police fire and some
were inmates trying to break out of a jail in the capital,
Kathmandu. Three police officers also were among the dead,
police said.
The military has enforced a curfew since late Tuesday, with
residents given a few hours per day to leave their homes to buy
food and supplies while soldiers guard the streets of Kathmandu.
The demonstrations, called the protest of Gen Z, were sparked by
the short-lived ban on platforms including Facebook, X and
YouTube, which the government said had failed to register and
submit to oversight.
But they soon reflected broader discontent, with many young
people angry about what they call “nepo kids” of political
leaders who enjoy luxurious lifestyles while most youth struggle
to find work.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
