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Rabi Lamichhane was freed from Nakkhu Prison by Gen Z protestors in Kathmandu after Nepal’s social media ban, leading to mass prisoner release and KP Sharma Oli’s resignation.
According to sources, Lamichhane’s core appeal lies in his ability to tap into the anger of young Nepalis. (AFP)
Nepal Protests: Nepal’s former Deputy Prime Minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson, Rabi Lamichhane, was freed from the jail by the Gen Z protestors, who took to the streets of the capital city of Kathmandu and other regions to protest against the government’s decision to ban social media platforms.
According to news outlet Khabarhub, Lamichhane was freed by protesters during a demonstration at Nakkhu Prison on Tuesday afternoon.
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It is speculated that his release was intended to safeguard other prisoners amid the unrest.
Lamichhane, who had been lodged in Nakkhu Prison in connection with a cooperative savings case, addressed the crowd in a video shared on social media by RSP central member Krantishikha Dhital.
His wife, Nikita Paudel, personally went to Nakkhu Prison to receive him.
Thousands of supporters gathered outside the prison to catch a glimpse of Lamichhane, who appeared in a white outfit and greeted the crowd.
Following Lamichhane’s release, all other prisoners at Nakkhu Jail also left the detention centre. At least 1,500 prisoners, lodged prior to the protests, exited the jail together shortly after the RSP leader was freed, the report added.
As per sources, the police withdrew from their security posts, allowing the inmates to leave, raising concerns over heightened security risks in the area.
Earlier today, at least 21 MPs from the Lamichhane-led RSP resigned from their post, which has thrown the already fragile political order of Nepal into deeper uncertainty.
The move, widely viewed as a calculated step to disrupt Parliament and force a reset, signals a potential endgame for Nepal’s traditional political elite.
Lamichhane has emerged as the undisputed face of a rising political tide. Seen by many as a clean, decisive alternative to Nepal’s aging and scandal-ridden leadership, his influence now stretches from the digital realm to the streets, where protests led by youth and urban professionals mirror a national mood of frustration and restlessness.
As CNN-News18 reported earlier, Lamichhane’s core appeal lies in his ability to tap into the anger of young Nepalis: students, unemployed youth, and middle-class urbanites.
Unlike traditional leaders who are seen as out of touch and entangled in decades of political baggage, Lamichhane is viewed as uncorrupted and authentic. His past as a media figure and his mastery over social platforms allow him to dominate the online discourse and translate digital frustration into physical mobilisation.
Meanwhile, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli tendered his resignation on Tuesday after anti-government protests, launched against the government’s ban on social media, spiralled out of control. The protests left 19 people dead and over 300 others injured. The protests have escalated a day after Oli revoked the ban on social media, a key trigger for the nationwide protests.
The protesters, under the banner of Gen Z, shouted slogans such as “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (KP thief, leave the country) and “Take Action Against Corrupt Leaders” in multiple parts of the capital city, Kathmandu, news agency PTI reported.
About the Author
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
Kathmandu, Nepal
September 09, 2025, 18:55 IST
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