The present document concerns a letter addressed to the Nepalese authorities. The Centre for the Independence of Judges and Lawyers (CIJL) of the ICJ expressed its worry at the arrest of hundreds of lawyers after a peaceful demonstration. The CIJL urged the Nepalese Government to ensure that lawyers are free to carry out their professional functions and to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. The ICJ urges the Government to draw attention to the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which recognises the right of lawyers to express their opinion, particularly on legal matters, and to partake in gatherings and demonstrations.