Protests Against Social Media Ban Leave 19 Dead; Nepal Government Lifts Ban

On the 8th, Nepalese police violently dispersed protesters in the capital Kathmandu, resulting in at least 17 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Two more people died during protests in the eastern city of Itahari.

Last week, the Nepalese government ordered the shutdown of 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, X, and LinkedIn, citing failure to register within the stipulated time. This move sparked anger and dissatisfaction among users. Reportedly, about 90% of Nepal’s 30-million population is online.

Nevertheless, a day after serious clashes between police and civilians, the Nepalese government on the 9th lifted the block order. Prime Minister Oli ordered an investigation into the protest events.

On the morning of the 8th, thousands of young people gathered on the streets of Kathmandu, demanding the restoration of media platform services and condemning government corruption.

One protester told AFP: "We are here to condemn the social media ban, as well as to denounce Nepal’s institutionalized corruption."

As the procession approached parliament, police used tear gas, water cannons, batons, and live ammunition to stop them, causing the situation to escalate rapidly.

Officials said that some protesters (mostly young people) broke through barricades and forced their way into the parliament building in Kathmandu. They set ambulances on fire and threw objects at riot police guarding the parliamentary building.

One protester said: "The police were shooting indiscriminately. They opened fire, missed me, but hit a friend standing behind me. His hand was shot."

When AFP sought confirmation from Kathmandu police spokesperson Kanal, he stated that police used tear gas and water cannons when protesters entered the restricted area.

Kanal indicated that according to the latest statistics as of the evening, "17 have died so far" and another 400 have been injured, including about 100 police officers.

Authorities imposed a curfew in several areas of the capital, including the location of parliament as well as the residences of the president and head of government.

Amnesty International called for a "thorough, independent, and impartial investigation" into the Nepalese police, confirming that live ammunition had been used.

Since the block took effect, videos questioning the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children have flooded still-operating platforms such as TikTok.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Nepal announced last Thursday that, following a Supreme Court ruling in 2023, many social media would be blocked and required to appoint a local representative and a content moderator.

The block order issued that day was not the first. In July last year, the government suspended Telegram services, citing a surge in online fraud cases.

In a statement on the 7th, the government denied any intent to restrict freedom and explained that it hoped to create "an environment that protects freedom and allows it to be exercised freely."