YouTuber Roshan Pokharel Released After Arrest for Allegedly Insulting Prime Minister

Roshan Pokharel, a YouTuber arrested in Panchthar for allegedly using derogatory language against Prime Minister Balendra Shah and other leaders, has been released. According to DSP Anish Karn, chief of the Panchthar District Police Office, Pokharel has been entrusted to family members with a condition to appear when required. He was initially arrested on Chaitra 26, and the District Court had extended his detention by 10 days.

Pokharel was taken into custody following an investigation by the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau and the Panchthar District Police Office for broadcasting content on YouTube that contained offensive remarks targeting Prime Minister Balendra Shah and other political figures. Following Pokharel’s arrest, Prime Minister Balendra Shah has faced criticism on social media, where detractors have been sharing his past Facebook statuses and videos.