All 24 Koreans arrested in Nepal over religious activities released

All 24 Koreans arrested by local police in Nepal after entering the country on tourist visas and participating in a religious program have been released, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

The Korean government has provided consular assistance and maintained communication with Nepalese authorities since the incident came to light.

The Korean Embassy in Nepal requested the early release of some detainees in consideration of their health conditions, which led to the release of five people on Monday.

The remaining detainees were released in stages. All 24 are reportedly scheduled to return to Korea on Thursday.

The Koreans had entered Nepal on tourist visas before participating in a religious training program at New Covenant College, a Christian educational institution in Morang District of Koshi Province in eastern Nepal, according to Nepalese media outlet Ratopati.

Nepalese police arrested them on suspicion of violating the conditions of their stay by participating in religious activities not permitted under tourist visas. They were subsequently transferred to the immigration office in Kathmandu.

Nepalese authorities reportedly considered whether to deport them.

“Since becoming aware of the incident, we have maintained close communication with the relevant Nepalese authorities through our embassy in Nepal and provided the necessary consular assistance to the Korean nationals involved,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“It is difficult to disclose further details due to privacy concerns,” the ministry added.

Nepal guarantees freedom of religion under its constitution but prohibits activities aimed at converting others to a different religion.

Foreign nationals who enter Nepal on tourist visas may face penalties for engaging in religious activities outside the permitted scope of their stay.

BY KO SEUNG-PYO [[email protected]]