Nepal: Protests over high-profile cooperative bank fraud case hearing continue in multiple cities as of Dec. 6 /update 1

Supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) continue to hold protests in multiple cities as of Dec. 6. Previous notable rallies have occurred in Kathmandu's Maitighar Mandala and outside the prime ministerial residence in the Baluwatar area, as well as the Zero Kilometer junction, Prithvi Chowk, and Shahid Chowk intersections in Pokhara City, as well as in Bharatpur of Chitwan District since Oct. 19. The action is to express solidarity with detained RSP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who is facing trial at multiple district courts over cooperative bank fraud. Several hundred people typically join the events, with the largest participation in Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. Demonstrations have resulted in sporadic clashes, resulting in injuries to security officers and activists. Small counter-protests by victims of bank fraud also occur regularly, mainly outside police and court facilities; most actions pass off peacefully. Further related gatherings are probable in the coming weeks, including in Birgunj of Madhes Province's Parsa District, where Lamichhane will face fresh questioning.

Authorities will likely deploy additional personnel to protest sites and impose security cordons around the district court buildings and additional interrogation sites as a precaution. Demonstrators will probably march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Routes leading to the Pokhara International Airport (PKR) are especially prone to delays and heightened security deployment. Security personnel have used tear gas, batons, and water cannons to disperse earlier gatherings; similar use of force remains likely. Clashes between rival groups are possible, especially during protests in proximity.