After more than a year in an overcrowded prison near Kathmandu, well-known Canadian humanitarian Peter Dalglish has been convicted of sexually assaulting children in Nepal. Dalglish’s family and friends, as expressed by his Canadian attorney Nader Hasan, are distraught over the verdict, and Hasan mentioned that they plan to appeal the decision once the written verdict and sentencing are issued. The sentencing process is crucial before filing an appeal, and Dalglish, aged 61, could potentially face a prison term of 10 years or more.
In April 2018, Dalglish was forcefully arrested at his residence near Kathmandu by the Central Investigation Bureau of the Nepal Police. The charges against him involved the sexual assault of two boys, aged 11 and 14, who were present at his home during the arrest. Authorities had been monitoring Dalglish for several weeks following reports of alleged misconduct. Despite the accusations, Dalglish has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Dalglish, a longtime advocate for combating child poverty, has a background in humanitarian work, notably co-founding Street Kids International in the late 1980s, an organization dedicated to assisting vulnerable children in developing nations. His contributions led to him being honored as a member of the Order of Canada in December 2016. Throughout his career, he has worked with various international organizations, including the UN Habitat in Afghanistan and the World Health Organization.
Amidst the legal proceedings, Dalglish’s legal team has raised concerns about potential irregularities and lack of forensic evidence in the case. They have accused authorities of tampering with witnesses and hindering a fair trial. Additionally, Nepalese laws that restrict accused individuals from meeting their lawyers privately have been highlighted as a violation of international rights agreements.
According to Dalglish’s ex-wife, Nienke Schaap, who described the charges as a “setup,” she remains in contact with him through Nepalese individuals providing him with daily meals in prison. Schaap emphasized her disbelief in the allegations, citing Dalglish’s strong moral compass and values. Despite the challenges, she maintains hope for his release, offering support and encouragement.
Dalglish will continue to be held at the Dhulikhel jail until his sentencing. Global Affairs Canada has not yet responded to requests for comments on the matter.