American citizen deported on charges of preaching Christianity
KATHMANDU:- Peter—also known as Kim Kwang-sung—a 72-year-old Korean-American citizen residing in Nepal on a spousal visa, has been taken into custody, and deportation proceedings have been initiated against him on charges of illegally propagating Christianity and engaging in activities that violate the terms of his visa.
A joint team from the District Police Office, Kavrepalanchok, and the Namobuddha Police Post took him into custody from Namobuddha Municipality-2 on Shrawan 6, 2083, (July 22).
Police stated that he was taken into custody based on complaints alleging that he pressured local children to convert to Christianity under the guise of providing education and residential facilities, and engaged in illegal activities by misusing a marriage visa.
According to the preliminary investigation by the Department of Immigration and the District Police Office, Kavrepalanchok, Peter had been educating 25 children at the ‘Light and Salt Christian School’ in Namobuddha Municipality-2. The investigation revealed that 29 children were being housed in a hostel affiliated with the institution.
The Department of Immigration states that preliminary investigations indicate the children and their guardians residing there were subjected to psychological pressure to mandatorily attend church, engage in daily Christian prayers, and convert to Christianity under the guise of providing education and accommodation.
The department stated that Peter obtained permission to reside in Nepal based on a spousal visa after marrying a 35-year-old Nepali woman. They have two children. Investigations reveal that, both before and after the marriage, he frequently traveled to and from Nepal on business and tourist visas.
Investigations have revealed that after marrying a Nepali woman, he registered and operated various businesses, institutes, and schools in his wife’s name. However, the Department of Immigration has concluded that he retained financial, administrative, and managerial control over these entities.
Sources indicate that the investigation revealed Peter had previously married a Canadian citizen but failed to produce evidence of a divorce.
Nepal’s National Penal (Code) Act, 2074 prohibits converting anyone’s religion through coercion, inducement, or undue influence. The law classifies such acts as a criminal offense.
Under the Immigration Regulations, 2051, a marital visa is a visa granted for residing in Nepal based on family ties. The Department may take action regarding the visa if activities are found to be conducted outside the scope of its intended purpose.
