KATHMANDU: A foreign national has been arrested for participating in protests at Maitighar Mandala against the dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority’s Managing Director, Kulman Ghising.
Initially seen distributing pamphlets in support of Ghising, the individual later joined the monarchist camp, holding their posters and clashing with the police.
Dressed in a daura suruwal, he switched sides within a short span, leading to his detention.
Identifying himself as an American, he was taken into custody by a team led by DSP Ganga Prasad Paudel of the Singha Durbar Police Circle.
Initially, he claimed to belong to no country, stating that “the Earth is my home.”
However, during interrogation, he revealed his American citizenship and identified himself as Julie, a 58-year-old man.
Fluent in English, with limited proficiency in Nepali and Hindi, he had entered Nepal on a tourist visa but was found to have overstayed.
His involvement in political activities could lead to deportation under Nepal’s immigration laws, which prohibit foreign nationals from engaging in local political movements.
According to DSP Paudel, the American national has promised to present his original passport. If confirmed as an overstayer, he may face deportation as per Nepal’s immigration regulations.
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