Over 50 demonstrators were arrested on April 5 in the Nepali capital Kathmandu during rallies organized by the Professional Alliance for Peace and Democracy (PAPAD), a local network of professionals including lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers and engineers. The group is campaigning for the restoration of democracy and an end to absolute rule by King Gyanendra, who took over in Feb. 2005 after suspending the government. A general strike called by seven key political parties was to begin April 6. (IRIN)