NEPAL: SPOKESMAN SAYS ARMY WILL INITIATE

C O N F I D E N T I A L KATHMANDU 000112

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SA/INS, SA/RA, AND DRL
NSC FOR MILLARD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/14/2014
TAGS: PHUM MOPS MASS NP
SUBJECT: NEPAL: SPOKESMAN SAYS ARMY WILL INITIATE
COURT-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS IN HUMAN RIGHTS CASE

REF: KATHMANDU 0063

Classified By: CDA ROBERT K. BOGGS. REASON: 1.5 (B,D).


1. (C) On January 15 Royal Nepal Army (RNA) Spokesman Col.
Deepak Gurung informed poloff that the RNA had completed its
inquiry into allegations that RNA soldiers had summarily
executed three civilians in Khotang District on December 6
(Reftel). According to Gurung, the RNA, based on its
findings, has initiated court-martial proceedings against a
warrant officer who was in charge of the detachment of the
platoon implicated in the incident. He added that the RNA
has also recommended that compensation be paid to family
members of the three victims. Gurung undertook to provide
further details, including the warrant officer's name and any
further identifying information about his unit, as soon as
possible. (Note: The platoon is part of the 18th Brigade,
which is scheduled to train with U.S. forces in Balance 04-3.
End note.)


2. (C) Comment: The Khotang case is one in which the
Embassy had expressed particular concern. This is only the
second case, to our knowledge, in which the RNA has initiated
court-martial proceedings against soldiers accused of
extra-judicial killings. While we view the RNA's
responsiveness in this matter as a positive sign, we will
continue to monitor developments closely. Embassy will relay
further information about the case to the Department as soon
as it becomes available.
BOGGS