Ex-ministers held in Nepalese anti-monarchy protests

DEFYING a ban, five political parties in Nepal yesterday organised rallies to protest against the royal takeover during which at least 50 protestors, including eight former ministers, were taken into custody.

Eleven women activists were among those arrested.

Protestors shouting anti-government slogans marched through the streets of major towns Ason, Bhitahity and Ratnaapark, defying the ban on protest shows and public meetings amidst the presence of armed riot police.