Statement from PFHRD-Buhtan:

Mr.S.K. Pradhan, Secretary General of Peoples Forum for Human Rights and Development(PFHRD Bhutan) held his first press conference on October 1, 2004 in Kathmandu after regaining his freedom. He was held in Jhapa district prison for three years under false and fabricated charges linking him to the murder of another Bhutanese leader. The conspiracy was hatched by those who wanted to silence the voice for democracy and human rights in Bhutan. Mr. Pradhan addressed the press conference attended by major Nepali dailies both in vernacular and English. It was covered by TV and radio. Addressing the press, Mr. Pradhan said the voice for freedom and democracy in Bhutan cannot be silenced no matter what comes in the way and told the media that he would revive PFHRD and continue its work towards establishment of democracy, freedom and justice in Bhutan. Replying to queries from the media persons on his incarceration he said it was nothing but a plot to destroy PFHRD and stop its activities, especially, after Bhutan lost a crucial UN voting on May 22, 2001 in Geneva, Switzerland on the question of accreditation of PFHRD to UN World Conference against Racism(WCAR) held in Durban, South Africa in 2001. It was immediately after return from WCAR that he was arrested and put behind bars. There was a plot to send him to jail for twenty years so that PFHRD is destroyed for ever.

For more inforamtion, please contact:
People's Forum for Human Rights and Development-Bhutan
GPO-8975 EPC-5028
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel:+977-1-4301154
Fax:+977-1-4220161
Email:skpfhrd@mos.com.np