Nepal, June 4 -- The Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB) has welcomed the pardon granted by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, which led to the release of Mr. Chaturman Tamang and Mr. Hasta Bahadur Rai from Chamgang Central Prison on June 1, 2026, after more than 18 years in prison.

In a press release, GCRPPB said the development is the result of sustained international advocacy, including engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council's Special Procedures, the European Union, and human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch.

The group said the release marks an important step forward but expressed concern over the post-release situation of the two men, who ...