© Nepali Community in Luxembourg
The Nepalese community of Luxembourg came together in Strassen on Tuesday to call attention to corruption and the murder of 19 student activists in Nepal, where protests and a social media ban escalated into nationwide violence.
On Tuesday, 9 September, the Nepali community gathered at Strassen's Place Grande-Duchesse Charlotte for a candle-lit vigil, waving flags and holding signs reading "Justice for every victim" and "May their souls rest, and our voices rise", among others. The vigil echoed protests in Nepal, as the community in Luxembourg stood together in solidarity and in the fight for justice.
Deeplove Baraily, a Nepali who has lived in Luxembourg since 2013, said the community felt it was their duty to support the anti-corruption movement and to draw the attention of European countries such as Luxembourg to the injustice in Nepal.
"Democracy and human rights are under attack. We are grateful to live in Luxembourg, a country that respects these values, and we want the same for our home country," Baraily said.
Baraily left Nepal in 2010 to escape an unstable, corrupt system. "Even if you study and get a degree, you cannot be sure of your future – you can only get something if you have connections."
After working in Poland and Belgium, he came to Luxembourg in 2013, where he saw a positive future for his family. "Luxembourg is safe and has helpful infrastructure like the health care and education system." Although it can be expensive, Baraily noted, one can live safely and comfortably, knowing the system works. He reunited with his family in 2016, and they have lived here ever since.
François Prum, honorary consul to Nepal since 2019, also attended the protest. Prum's ties to the country date back to his first visit in 1987; he now runs an NGO in Nepal’s second-largest city, Pokhara, supporting abused women.
Prum was impressed by how quickly the Nepali community was able to organise and estimated around 100 people attended. As soon as news of the murders broke on Tuesday, members of the community worked swiftly to secure a venue in Luxembourg for the peace protest, thanking the commune of Strassen for hosting at short notice.
"It was quite emotional – one family who attended had relatives who disappeared during this trouble in Kathmandu," said Prum. "The Nepali people are very positive, peaceful people, with a strong voice against oppression." He added that this unity has long been evident, recalling how the community worked together during COVID to support relatives in Nepal.
This week, the national archives and data have been destroyed. Ongoing discussions about the future of the government leave many Nepalese worried for the future of the country.
Pratik Lamichhane, a Luxembourg-based Nepali journalist, states that what is going on in Nepal is concerning. "The protesters don't want to burn everything. This is our property. We faced a big earthquake some years ago, and we just rebuilt the infrastructure, and now we need to spend a lot of time and money to fix it again. We need sense, but not like this."
The Nepali community in Luxembourg is calling for accountability from government leaders in Nepal and wants them to face justice on an international level. They look forward to future news, hoping for the best for their country, while continuing to unite and support one another in the Grand Duchy.
"We will continue in peaceful solidarity in Luxembourg. We will keep calling for accountability", Baraily states.
Read also:
At least 19 killed in Nepal protest over social media ban, corruption
Nepal protesters set parliament ablaze as PM quits
Nepal army bids to restore order after deadly protests oust PM
