Rabi Lamichhane deprived of basic human rights in Bhairahawa prison: NHRC

Following the inspection, the NHRC reported that the prison is overcrowded beyond its capacity and severely lacking in basic humanitarian facilities.

KATHMANDU, Aug 11: A team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) conducted a field visit to assess the conditions at Bhairahawa Prison, where Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane is held.

Following the inspection, the NHRC reported that the prison is overcrowded beyond its capacity and severely lacking in basic humanitarian facilities. The NHRC stated that Lamichhane has been kept in inhumane conditions without fundamental amenities. He is held in a cell with an open toilet, windows sealed with plywood and is deprived of access to information.

During the visit, NHRC Commissioners including Lily Thapa and INSEC representative Rima BC found Lamichhane’s cell conditions pitiable. According to the monitoring team, the cell lacks air conditioning. Only a large stand fan and a table fan are provided to cope with the heat.

The cell’s window is completely blocked with plywood, preventing fresh air circulation. Although prison authorities justified this for security reasons, citing the threat of snakes or stones being thrown from outside, they committed to reopening the window for ventilation after the NHRC’s request.

Inside the cell, there is an open toilet without a door. Apart from a small bed and a table for keeping books, no other facilities are provided. Lamichhane expressed satisfaction with the food he receives.

Commissioner Thapa said Lamichhane has not been allowed to read newspapers, though he does have a small radio. “Most seriously, the government has not implemented the court order to transfer him elsewhere,” Thapa said. “NHRC will engage in serious discussions with the Prison Management Department on this matter.”

NHRC’s report also highlighted that the overall conditions at Bhairahawa Prison are deeply concerning. The facility, designed for 250 inmates, currently houses over 700 prisoners. There are insufficient toilets for inmates and those available are dirty and poorly maintained.

The monitoring team stated that due to the government’s neglect of resources and infrastructure, prisoners are deprived of even minimal human rights. NHRC concluded that housing inmates well beyond capacity amounts to a serious human rights violation.

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