Artist: Rup Chand Bista
Confronting Bodies: Nepal's Panchayat government
Date of Action: October 1986
Specific Location: Nepal
Description of Artwork: Bista's poem, "Beware," criticizes the performance of many of the government appointed ministers of parliament.
Description of Incident: Bista was charged with "spreading malice and hatred toward the king" under the Treason Act, because of his poem, "Beware." The poem was published in the non-governmental newspaper, "Weekly Debate."
Results of Incident: Bista was released in April, 1987. No charges were filed. The arrest helped organize his political party, and improved election results for candidates who supported his release.
Source: Censorship, A World Encyclopedia, ed. D. Jones
Submitted By: NCAC