KATHMANDU, Jan 2: Human rights defenders in Nepal have raised serious concerns over the mysterious death of Sha Bahadur Gurung, a 65-year-old Bhutanese political prisoner who died while serving a life sentence at Chamjang Central Jail in Thimphu, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday.
Gurung, a resident of Chirang, Bhutan, died on December 15, 2025, after spending 35 years in prison for participating in peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations. He was arrested in 1990 during Bhutan’s political crackdown and was among 31 prisoners detained that year on charges of “activities against the state,” the statement said.
Rights advocates said Gurung was imprisoned solely for exercising his rights to peaceful assembly and expression. He was initially held at Rabuna Prison before being transferred to Chamjang Central Jail, where he remained until his death.
Right group calls for probe into mysterious death of Bhutanese...
According to his family, Gurung endured decades of mental and physical torture, cruel and degrading treatment, and prolonged medical neglect. The statement cited family accounts claiming that Gurung was found unconscious in his cell on the morning of December 15 but was denied timely medical care, which they believe directly contributed to his death.
Human rights groups described the incident as alarming, noting that it reflects Bhutan’s continued repression of democratic voices and disregard for fundamental rights guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a UN member state, Bhutan is obligated to uphold international norms prohibiting torture and inhuman treatment, the statement added.
The statement said Gurung’s death violates internationally recognised human rights standards and contradicts Bhutan’s commitments made at the UN Human Rights Council, including during its Universal Periodic Reviews. It also warned that the case raises broader concerns about the safety and treatment of other prisoners of conscience in Bhutan.
The groups urged the Bhutanese government to ensure a credible, independent, and impartial investigation and to hold those responsible accountable, according to the statement. They also called on the Government of India, the United Nations, and the international community to press for transparency and justice.
In addition, the statement demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners in Bhutan and called on the Government of Nepal to use diplomatic channels to defend and promote the human rights of the people of Bhutan.
The appeal was endorsed by more than 20 human rights activists and organisations, including Advocacy Forum Nepal, Amnesty International Nepal, and Legal Literacy Nepal.
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