KATHMANDU: Nepali police fired tear gas on Sunday at thousands of protesters loyal to a former deputy premier once seen as a rising political star, as he appeared in court on charges his supporters say are politically motivated. Rabi Lamichhane faces charges of fraud and organised crime related to the alleged embezzlement of funds from a financial cooperative prior to his entry into politics, a case that has garnered national attention.
Lamichhane rejects the charges, which his angry supporters say were trumped up. Lamichhane is well known for his career as a television host in the Himalayan republic, making his name as an anti-corruption crusader through aggressive interviews with public officials.
Police said thousands of people took part in the protests on Sunday, with baton-wielding officers blocking off areas around the district court and spraying crowds with water cannon and tear gas. Protesters chanted slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, claiming the charges against Lamichhane were politically motivated. — AFP
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