KATHMANDU: Former Maoist rebels or security forces who committed crimes during Nepal’s civil war could be granted amnesty except in rape cases under planned legislation, a lawmaker said.
The government late Wednesday introduced a bill in parliament to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Commission on the Disappeared, aimed at healing wounds from the decade-long conflict.
Those found guilty of serious crimes during hearings by the commissions could receive a pardon except for cases of rape, said Ramesh Lekhak, a member of the ruling Nepali Congress party who drafted the bill. “No amnesty will be granted to those accused of rape,” Lekhak said.
“The commissions will investigate (other) cases and recommend whether they qualify for amnesty,” he said, adding that any offer of amnesty would need the victim’s nod. “Our focus is on reconciliation. But the victim’s consent will be mandatory to pardon the accused.”
The conflict between Maoist guerrillas and the state ended in 2006, leaving more than 16,000 dead. Rebels, soldiers and police were accused of serious human rights violations including killings, rapes, torture and disappearances.
Victims’ rights groups accused politicians of bowing to demands from Maoist lawmakers to include an amnesty in the bill, despite recommendations from a government-appointed panel against one.
“We do not trust that such a commission will be able to give us justice,” said Ram Kumar Bhandari, coordinator of the National Network of Families of the Disappeared and the Missing.
“This has turned into an issue of political reconciliation,” Bhandari said.
The Maoists and the government agreed to set up commissions focused on peace and reconciliation when they signed a peace deal. AFP
Afp
