A YouTuber arrested in Nepal for allegedly using abusive language against the newly elected prime minister has been released following widespread protests, particularly from Gen Z activists. Roshan Pokharel was taken into custody on 9 April on charges of publishing defamatory content on his channel “Hades” targeting Prime Minister Balendra Shah and other political leaders.
Pokharel's arrest, ordered after a Cyber Bureau investigation, saw him held for 10 days by a local court. The move triggered severe backlash, with critics accusing the government of suppressing free speech under the guise of legal action. Tanuja Pandey, a prominent Gen Z activist involved in last year's protests that ousted the previous government, was among those who criticised the arrest.
Bijay Shah, a spokesperson for the Gen Z movement, said arresting someone solely for their expression was objectionable. “Protect freedom of expression; do not move towards authoritarianism,” he stated. Shah argued that the prime minister, a former rapper, should value free speech, and called for equal standards in investigating controversial remarks by others.
Following the outcry, Pokharel was released on Sunday and placed in the custody of his grandmother. District police superintendent Anish Karki confirmed the release, adding that Pokharel must appear when required. Authorities claimed the decision was made after his health worsened during detention.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah, 35, a former Kathmandu mayor, came to power about six months after street protests toppled the previous government, which had been accused of muzzling traditional and online media.
