A pastor in Nepal, Keshab Raj Acharya, has said he wants to convert his one year prison sentence to a fine. He had bagged the prison sentence for an offense he committed under a law against proselytizing (converting someone from religion or belief to another).
Though the Supreme Court of Nepal gave the judgment over a month ago, the preacher said he can make the request for the change by next month, March. According to him, even if he faces arrest from the police, it won’t deter him from serving God.
Pastor Acharya was sentenced by the Dolpa District court to two years in prison and a fine of 20,000 rupees (US$167). His offense was reported to be causing outrage on religious feelings and proselytizing in November 2021.
The cleric’s conviction was reviewed and confirmed on July 13, 2022 by the Jumla High Court, and his punishment was reduced to one year of imprisonment.
He is appealing the ruling with the assistance of Alliance Defending Freedom International. Earlier, he had sought an appeal with the Supreme Court on October 6, 2023 but they went ahead to uphold the decision of the High Court. This made him realise that he cannot contest the rulings of the Supreme Court that he had earlier thought he could depend on.
In a char with Morning Star News, he said, “I was told that there is no provision of re-applying to the Supreme Court. So, there is no way to challenge the High Court’s decision that the Supreme Court has upheld the last time.”
He was advised by many lawyers to convert the prison sentence into a fine. Hence, it is the move he is making. He added, “But it entirely depends on the judge. If he allows it, then I will apply for the same. If he does not allow it, I will have to spend my term in prison. The officials return in the month of March, and I plan to apply in that month.”
Also, he requested that he should be prayed for so that his desires will be met.
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