Scenes of protest in Nepal

It's not a major story here in North America, but the political crisis in Nepal -- marked by pro-democracy protests in Kathmandu, a clampdown by state police, and King Gyanendra'a promise to restore democracy -- continues.

You can find a historical timeline here and background to recent events here: "The latest turmoil in Nepal has its roots in the decision by King Gyanendra to sack his government and assume direct powers back in February 2005. The move came after a long period of political upheaval and amid a bloody campaign by Maoist rebels." You can find a profile of the king here and of the Maoist rebels here. It should be noted that the pro-democracy movement, the movement behind the protests, is being led by a coalition of seven opposition parties, not the Maoist rebels (although last year the opposition parties and the rebels reached an agreement on the need to end Gyanendra's autocratic rule, if not the monarchy generally). You can find the text of the king's speech here.

Here's the latest from the BBC:

Nepalese police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of protesters who tried to march on King Gyanendra's palace in Kathmandu.

Hospital officials say at least 150 people were injured as about 100,000 Nepalis defied a curfew and security cordons to march into the capital.

The clashes came a day after the king offered to restore democracy.

Protesters rejected his offer as inadequate and the opposition declined his call to form an interim government.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators began heading towards central Kathmandu early on Saturday, ignoring an eight-hour, shoot-on-sight curfew.

"We want a republic, We don't want the king any more," the crowds chanted.

They brushed past police and army lines before reaching an inner cordon where soldiers in armoured vehicles and long lines of riot police held firm.

I'll have more on this ongoing story as it becomes available. In the meantime, here are some photos: