The United States of America has condemned the violence that occurred during the pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu on March 28. It extended deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.

On that day, pro-monarchy protests vandalized the public buildings including the offices of Annapurna Media Network and Kantipur Publication. They also set the buildings on fire with some damages.

A State Department spokesperson said: “The fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly must be protected. However, we do not condone violence and the destruction of property.” Regarding the attack on media houses, the spokesperson said that the United States supports media globally. The free flow of accurate information, ideas and opinion is the cornerstone of democracy, and it is essential that journalists be able to perform their work free from fear, the spokesperson said.

There are growing demands that there should be a fair investigation on the violence that occurred in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu. 

There are also reports that police used excessive force and indiscriminately opened fire on the protestors. Police have already arrested more than five-dozen people in connection with the violence.

The Nepal government is refusing to form a judicial commission to probe the March 28 violence. Regarding the attack on media houses, the international community remains silent and the US is the first country to speak about the violence. Over the past few weeks, pro-monarchy protests have been hitting the streets demanding the restoration of the monarchy and the Hindu state. In a latest series of protests, Rastriya Prajatantra Party organized a protest in Kathmandu on Tuesday.