Bhutan: Start Of Government Crackdown

Bhutan: Start Of Government Crackdown

Like in early ninety’s, the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) started crackdown in Bhutan. On 16th February 2008 a team of Royal Bhutan Police with arms went to the house of Lal Bahadur Chettri, who was arrested in May/ June 2007 on allegation of being the Communist Party of Bhutan (CPB-MLM) member and is in jail and searched the house. After that his son Devi Bahadur chettri of village Katarey, Ghumaoney block , Samchi district was called to the house of village headman and was arrested. The reason of his arrest is not known. Reportedly he is kept in Samchi jail.

The Human Rights Organization of Bhutan (HUROB) is very much concerned of the safety and security of the prisoners. As in the past, the prisoners might be facing inhuman tortures and cruel treatments. Prisoners are kept incommunicado till they are convicted. Also there is no fair trial. The court gives unilateral verdict as there no system of defendant on the victim side.

If the crackdown continues, probably there will be another exodus of people as they start fleeing for safety and security of their life and of their families. Indirectly it is also an opportunity to the RGOB to evict people which number about 80000 as non-Bhutanese. Therefore we request all the concerns to raise the issue with the RGOB without delay to stop arresting people on doubts of being affiliated to a political party and believe in particular ideology. So that people live and enjoy peace without fear and trepidation and another phase of human misery is not created.

S.B.Subba
Chairman, HUROB.
Human Rights Organization Of Bhutan (HUROB)

ENDS

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