Over 60 political prisoners released in Nepal

The Govt had arrested a large number of political workers and human rights activists ahead of the planned nationwide rallies.

More than 60 political detainees have been released in different regions in Nepal, local newspapers reported on Friday.

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The independent Nepali language daily Kantipur said the local administration had released all nine political prisoners in Baglung district, about 210 km west of the capital, on Thursday.

More than 28 political prisoners were released in the tourist resort town of Pokhara. On the same day, another 28 detainees were released from Duwakot near the Nepalese capital.

The government had arrested a large number of political workers, students and human rights activists ahead of the planned nationwide rallies on Jan 19 to protest against King Gyanendra's seizure of power on February 1, 2005.

A large number of people were also arrested during demonstrations against the municipal elections held earlier this month. The total number of those arrested is said to exceed 1,000.

The government began releasing the political prisoners Sunday and about 300 have been set free so far.