Rabi Lamichhane and the Cooperative Scandal: Justice or Political Game?

In "Political Suppression and the Erosion of Democratic Values: The Case of Ravi Lamichhane's Arrest in Nepal," Prof. Umanath Kattel critically examines the arrest of Ravi Lamichhane, a prominent reformist and political leader in Nepal. Lamichhane, known for challenging entrenched political elites, finds himself entangled in a legal battle widely seen as a politically motivated attempt to suppress his influence. This analysis delves into the broader context of Nepal's judiciary and political structures, drawing parallels with global instances of legal systems being used to target opposition figures. Prof. Kattel argues that Lamichhane's arrest signifies a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nepal, highlighting the misuse of legal and state institutions to silence dissent. He further explores the public response, international comparisons, and the role of media and civil society in framing these events, ultimately calling for legal reforms to restore faith in Nepal's democratic process.