Kathmandu, September 20:

International wildlife conservation bodies, working in Nepal, today criticised the government for freeing convicted poachers under suspicious circumstances.

WWF Nepal, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and Asian Rhino Specialist Group (ARSG) have expressed alarm and concern over the release of rhino poachers recently.

“The release of nine convicted rhino poachers by the government will devalue the efforts that conservationists from within the government, communities and partner organisations have worked hard to achieve in the past for saving rhinos in Nepal,” states a joint statement issued here by WWF, IUCN and ARSG.

The government had recently freed nine convicted poachers in the name of marking Loktantra Day.

Those freed were Palta Mahato, Kujuwa Mahato, Harilal Chaudhary, Rana Bahadur Kumal, Lok Bahadur Rai and Riphal Rai. Ram Sharal BK, Buddhiram Mahato and Buddhi Bahadur Praja were also freed. According to the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973, those convicted of poaching endangered wildlife species face life sentences between five to fifteen years and/or a fine of upto Rs 100,000.