Nepal

Arrest and subsequent trial of comedy artiste continue to draw criticisms.

In a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, CPN (UML) Chief Whip Bishal Bhattarai said none should be arrested just for the presentation of comedy art.

Comedy artiste Apoorwa Kshitiz Singh was apprehended for his comedy, he said, demanding his prompt release.

"Some may feel hurt upon the comedy presentation, but the arrest on the basis of the same artistic presentation is not justifiable," he asserted.

On August 28, Singh was arrested after he was accused of satirising the Newar community.

He was arrested on the charge of hurting the sentiments of the Newar community through a comedy video posted on the YouTube channel called ‘Comedy Cafe,’

After the video was released, it received huge criticism on social media and Singh was forced to apologise and remove the video. 

He has already been in custody for 11 days.

On September 6, Singh was admitted to Bir Hospital after some complication was seen in his health. Police are currently waiting for the medical reports to come after which they will make a further decisions regarding Singh. 

It was reported that the discussion was going regarding the release of Singh but on September 7, the Kathmandu district court gave permission to the police to detain Singh for five more days.