Mon Apr 14 17:17:32 UTC 2025: ## Nepal’s Former King Condemns Pro-Monarchy Violence, Implicitly Supports Movement
**Kathmandu, Nepal –** Former King Gyanendra Shah of Nepal has issued a statement expressing sorrow over the violent pro-monarchy demonstrations that took place in March, resulting in two deaths and over 100 arrests. While condemning the violence, arson, and vandalism, Mr. Shah implicitly voiced support for the movement’s participants in a Facebook video released Sunday, April 13th, 2025.
The demonstrations, fueled by growing public dissatisfaction with political instability, corruption, and slow economic development, saw thousands take to the streets demanding the restoration of the constitutional monarchy. In his statement, Mr. Shah acknowledged the importance of freedom of expression in a democracy, but stressed the need for restraint in exercising this right. He stated his sadness over the loss of life and property during the protests.
Despite his condemnation of the violence, Mr. Shah reiterated his belief in a multi-party democracy alongside a constitutional monarchy, aligning his position with the sentiments of the growing pro-monarchy movement. This marks a departure from his largely silent stance on Nepali politics since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. The former king has recently made several public appearances alongside supporters, signaling a more active role in public life. Nepal transitioned to a federal republic in 2008 as part of a peace agreement ending a decade-long civil war.
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