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25 January, 2006
The ICEM learned today that one of the two top leaders of the Nepalese trade union federation GEFONT was released from police custody in Kathmandu.
Left: Chairman Mukunda Neupane (released)
Right: Gefont's Secretary General Binod Shrestha
(still under arrest)
Chairman Mukanda Neupane was released Tuesday evening, 24 January, but GEFONT Secretary-General Binod Shrestha was still being detained. Both had been arrested early on 19 January. Also released were two trade union leaders of another trade union federation, NTUC, as well as a number of pro-democracy political leaders.
Upon his release, Brother Neupane thanked the international community—particularly the global trade union family—for its strong support, and urged the people of Nepal to continue efforts to bring democracy to the Himalayan country. Neupane, however, also expressed dismay that other detainees, including Brother Shrestha, are still being held.
Further information can be found at the GEFONT website: http://www.gefont.org.