Global Campaign Hails Release of Bhutanese Human Rights Leader Tek Nath Rizal

The Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB), a worldwide initiative advocating for the release of Bhutanese political prisoners, celebrates the release of Bhutanese Human Rights leader and former Amnesty International prisoner of conscience, Mr. Tek Nath Rizal. Mr. Rizal, accused of involvement in the fake Bhutanese refugee scandal in Kathmandu, Nepal, was granted bail on 27 December 2023, concluding almost six months of imprisonment since his arrest on 18 May 2023.

“Since the inception of Mr. Rizal’s case, GCRPPB has steadfastly maintained his innocence. His courageous stance as a whistleblower, exposing criminal activities within high-ranking officials of the Nepal government related to Bhutanese refugees, led to his unjust implication. GCRPPB expresses unwavering faith in the Nepalese judiciary, hoping that Mr. Rizal will be exonerated from all allegations tied to the scandal,”a statement issued by GCRPPB reads.

The campaign extends gratitude to the lead lawyer and their team for their relentless defense efforts, culminating in Mr. Rizal’s successful release on bail. Additionally, GCRPPB acknowledges the support of well-wishers, civil society leaders, Human Rights advocates in Kathmandu, journalists, media, and everyone who consistently demonstrated concern for Mr. Rizal’s situation, contributing to his release. The campaign earnestly hopes that this support will persist in the days ahead.

Tek Nath Rizal, an internationally acclaimed leader of the Bhutanese refugee movement and a former high-profile political prisoner of Bhutan, witnessed a demoralizing impact on the movement due to his arrest. With his release on bail today, GCRPPB anticipates a reinvigorated movement.

GCRPPB reiterates its plea to the international community to exert pressure on Bhutan for the swift release of all political prisoners. Furthermore, the campaign urges that those already released and residing in refugee camps be allowed to reunite with their families in their resettlement countries.

Moreover, GCRPPB calls on the Government of Nepal and UNHCR to expedite efforts to resolve the Bhutanese refugee issue. This involves activating and implementing the three durable solutions as per the refugees’ wishes: repatriation, resettlement, and local integration. Until these solutions are realized, GCRPPB requests that relief agencies resume providing sufficient relief supplies, including health and education facilities, to all genuine Bhutanese refugees in the camps.