The conviction of Pastor Keshab Raj Acharya in Nepal for “outraging religious feelings” and “proselytizing” has prompted Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF) to take action.
On January 23rd, Nepal’s Supreme Court declined Pastor Keshab’s appeal and upheld a one-year prison sentence against him.
Pastor Keshab’s legal troubles began in March 2020 when he received a request to pray for a sick woman. He invited the woman’s husband to his home for prayer. Days later, four police officers arrested and detained Pastor Keshab. He was accused of “outraging religious feelings” and “proselytizing” for allegedly distributing religious leaflets.
“It was very difficult for me. I would think of my little children and my wife and I would cry out to the Lord in prayer,” Pastor Keshab said.
Pastor Keshab was released from police custody on April 8th. However, his freedom was short-lived, as he was rearrested almost immediately under charges tied to Nepal’s strict anti-conversion and anti-proselytization laws.
Alliance Defending Freedom International aided Pastor Keshab in appealing the High Court’s ruling to Nepal’s Supreme Court. While awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision, he remained free on bail.
But this January, the Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal and instead confirmed the 1-year prison sentence handed down by the Jumla High Court.
This devastating outcome leaves converting his jail term into a fine as Pastor Keshab’s only remaining path to avoiding imprisonment for his religious activities.
Alliance Defending Freedom denounced the ruling as a “violation of basic human rights” and is now focused on a final appeal to convert Pastor Keshab’s sentence to a fine, sparing him from imprisonment.
ADF International has allied with local lawyers in Nepal to coordinate Pastor Keshab’s defense.
What is Alliance Defending Freedom?
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, marriage and family, and the sanctity of life.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International is the global division of the Alliance Defending Freedom organization. It is an intergovernmental organization that advocates for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the right to life across the globe. The organization provides legal support to individuals whose fundamental human rights to religious liberty, freedom of expression, and conscience are under threat.
Tehmina Arora, director of advocacy in Asia for ADF International, says freedom of religion is a core human right.
“Nepali citizens have a fundamental right to practice and profess the religion of their choice in accordance with international standards. While the Nepali constitution contains several provisions that guarantee the right to practice and profess the religion of one’s choice, there are some provisions under the penal code that restrict the everyday practice of one’s faith. Pastor Keshab has unfortunately fallen victim to these unjust provisions. We are glad that he is out on bail and he is out with his family even as he waits for his case to be heard. Nevertheless, he’s been sentenced to prison and it continues to hang over his head. In partnership with local allies, ADF is supporting Pastor Keshab’s legal defense because no one should live in fear of being arrested or oppressed or criminally charged simply for sharing their religious beliefs,” she said.
“We urge the Nepali government to ensure that all are able to freely practice and profess their faith by safeguarding fundamental freedoms,” Arora added.
The Supreme Court’s decision dealt a major blow to religious liberty in Nepal, which, up until 2008, was the world’s only official Hindu state. In 2008, after a decade-long civil war, Nepal transitioned into a secular republic. However, anti-conversion laws remain strict. Pastor Keshab’s case is seen by many as a test of Nepal’s commitment to protect religious freedom.
ADF highlighted that there were no witnesses to support the allegations of proselytization against Pastor Keshab. His wife, Junu Acharya, asserts that he did not coerce religious conversions.
If Keshab’s final appeal fails to overturn or commute his prison term, it would establish a risky precedent – that even peaceful evangelism can be punishable by imprisonment in Nepal.
By continuing to apply pressure through legal advocacy, Alliance Defending Freedom hopes to prevent this outcome.
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