In Nepal, police have arrested at least a dozen human rights activists, and Maoist rebels have attacked a jail and let 150 prisoners escape. Police in Kathmandu foiled the first political protest against King Gyanendra's seizing of power last week and took away slogan-shouting demonstrators in vans. In western Nepal, Maoist rebels launched their first offensive since the king declared a state of emergency on February 1st. The rebels attacked police posts, government buildings and bombed a jail, and let prisoners go free. Five soldiers and at least one rebel were killed in the clashes. Meanwhile, Nepal's state-run radio says seven top politicians, including two former prime ministers, were freed from government custody today. Opposition activists say the government is holding some 1,000 politicians and activists.