Nepal's Former Speaker Charged with Gold Smuggling
Nepal's political landscape has been impacted by the arrest and formal charges against former Speaker of Parliament Krishna Bahadur Mahara, accused of gold smuggling and organized crime.
The case is the first major corruption prosecution under Nepal's newly-installed interim government, which promised reform amidst nationwide upheaval.
Mahara, a 66-year-old veteran politician and former prominent figure in the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center), was formally charged on October 13 for allegedly smuggling gold worth over 85 million Nepali rupees (around $600,000) into the country.
The charges represent a significant moment in the interim administration's effort to restore public faith in governance.
The interim government targets corruption, with this case marking a notable step in that direction.
Author's summary: Nepal's former speaker faces gold smuggling charges.