Child labour activist Gauri Pradhan was arrested by Nepalese security forces on 17 February after returning from a conference in Geneva.

Pradhan, president of Concern for Child Workers in Nepal (CWIN), is the latest victim of the removal of civil liberties in Nepal following King Gyanendra's dismissal of the Government and declaration of a state of emergency on 1 February.

On 22 February, the Supreme Court ordered the administration to produce Pradhan before the court on 28 February.

Anti-Slavery International is deeply concerned by Pradhan's arrest and the repressive conditions currently imposed on the country.

The King's declaration was followed by widespread arrests of human rights activists as well as trade unionists, student association members, politicians and journalists.

Telephone lines, mobile phone networks and internet services have been cut and strict restrictions imposed on the press.

It is vital the King restores the country's civil liberties.

Background on bonded labour in Nepal