Nepal's royal government frees nearly 60 detained activists

Nepal's royal government has freed nearly 60 activists who were detained ahead of local elections last week or during anti-king demonstrations, but hundreds more remain in jail, political parties said Monday.

Photo: Nepal's royal government frees nearly 60 detained activists

Hundreds of pro-democracy activists, politicians and students were detained by the government during protest rallies or in raids on their homes and offices.

About 58 students, journalists, human rights workers and politicians were freed on Sunday, officials from two political parties said.

Hundreds more, however, remain in jail throughout the Himalayan nation, many facing long jail terms, they said.

"Only a few of them were freed in what appears to be an attempt by the government to create confusion," said Shobhakar Parajuli of Nepali Congress, the country's largest political party, reports the AP.

I.L.