KATHMANDU, June 4: The Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB) has welcomed the pardon granted by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, which led to the release of Mr. Chaturman Tamang and Mr. Hasta Bahadur Rai from Chamgang Central Prison on June 1, 2026, after more than 18 years in prison.
In a press release, GCRPPB said the development is the result of sustained international advocacy, including engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures, the European Union, and human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch.
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The group said the release marks an important step forward but expressed concern over the post-release situation of the two men, who were denied entry into Nepal due to a lack of identity documents and were later left stranded in the border town of Panitanki before moving toward Bhutan. They are currently staying temporarily with relatives in India.
GCRPPB condemned what it described as the deportation of the two former prisoners into India without identity documents, release certificates, or any legal paperwork establishing their status, saying it has left them vulnerable and without access to protection or assistance.
The organization urged the governments of Bhutan, Nepal, and India, along with the international community, to ensure their safety, dignity, and freedom of movement.
While welcoming the release, the group said its mission will continue until the remaining 28 Bhutanese political prisoners are freed, reiterating its call for their immediate and unconditional release.
It also urged the Royal Government of Bhutan to take further humanitarian steps, including improved prison conditions, family contact, proper documentation upon release, and broader confidence-building measures toward the release of all remaining prisoners.
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