Police tear gas pro-democracy rally

Opposition political parties in Nepal have called a general strike, set for Thursday of this week, to protest against direct rule by King Gyanendra.

The strike is timed to coincide with the deadline for nominations for sham elections called by the king. A coalition of seven opposition parties have called for a boycott of these elections and a restoration of “total democracy”.

The parties also want to see the release of hundreds of political activists held by the government.

Dozens more activists were arrested last Saturday when protesters clashed with police for almost three hours in the capital, Kathmandu.

Some 264 demonstrators were detained, of whom 213 were later freed.

King Gyanendra first seized power in October 2002, following 12 years of limited democracy.

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