Nepal appoints a former chief justice as interim prime minister and first woman leader

"KATHMANDU, Nepal Nepal 's president on Friday appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister and the first woman to head the Himalayan nation's government, following fiery protests that collapsed the previous administration. Karki, a popular figure when serving as the court's only female chief justice in 2016 and 2017, was sworn in by President Ram Chandra Poudel at the presidential residence in a small ceremony broadcast on state-run television. Politicians, officials and foreign diplomats invited at the ceremony congratulated her."

"Street demonstrations starting Monday in Kathmandu over a social media ban turned violent, with protesters attacking government buildings and police opening fire. Though the ban was rescinded, the unrest continued over broader grievances, with tens of thousands of protesters attacking and burning the parliament, the presidential residence and businesses. The violence prompted Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli to resign Tuesday and flee his official residence."

"Violence over the past week left at least 51 people dead, police said Friday. Many of the dead were protesters killed by police fire and some were inmates trying to break out of a jail in the capital, Kathmandu. Three police officers also were among the dead, police said. The military has enforced a curfew since late Tuesday, with residents given a few hours per day to leave their homes to buy food and supplies while soldiers guard the streets of Kathmandu."

Sushila Karki, age 73, was sworn in as interim prime minister by President Ram Chandra Poudel and celebrated by invited politicians, officials and diplomats. Karki previously served as the Supreme Court’s only female chief justice in 2016–2017 and was noted for anti-corruption stances; an attempted impeachment in 2017 failed. Widespread demonstrations began over a social media ban and escalated into violent attacks that burned parliament, the presidential residence and businesses. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned and fled, Nepal’s army took control of Kathmandu and imposed a curfew, and officials reported at least 51 deaths amid negotiations for an interim government.

Read at www.npr.org