Nepal protests over social media ban leave at least 19 dead

At least 19 people have died in Nepal during protests against a government ban on dozens of online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and X.

The authorities introduced the ban last week, blocking access to 26 widely used social media platforms and messaging apps after they failed to register under new regulations. The move has faced strong criticism at home and abroad.

On Monday, anger over the restrictions spilled onto the streets of Kathmandu and other cities. 

Tens of thousands of mostly young people marched in defiance of the ban and what they described as growing corruption and authoritarian behaviour by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government.

In Kathmandu, demonstrators clashed with police after breaking through barricades, attempting to enter the parliament grounds and setting fire to the gates. 

Police fired live rounds, tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowds. They also used batons and water cannons.

Officials confirmed that at least 19 people died of their injuries, including gunshot wounds to the head and chest. While most of the deaths occurred in the capital, two people were killed in the eastern city of Itahari. More than 100 others were wounded and taken to hospital for treatment.

The protests have been described locally as the “gen-Z protest” because of the large number of young people involved. Many demonstrators said their actions were about more than just social media access. They carried placards reading “youths against corruption” and accused the political class of ignoring ordinary Nepalis while living in privilege.

The government imposed a curfew in several areas until 10pm on Monday in an attempt to calm the unrest.

The near-total ban, which took effect at midnight on Thursday, has disrupted daily life across Nepal. Businesses and the tourism industry have been hit, while many citizens have struggled to stay in touch with relatives abroad. 

Platforms such as Reddit, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Signal were also blocked. TikTok was one of the few to remain online after it complied with the new registration rules, and it has since become a rallying tool for protesters. Videos contrasting the struggles of everyday Nepalis with the wealthy lifestyles of politicians’ children have spread quickly on the app, deepening frustration with the government.

The ministry of communications and information technology said platforms had been given seven days to register in line with a court order. 

Only five complied, prompting officials to order the shutdown of the others. The government defended the measure, saying the regulations were intended to tackle “hate speech, fake news and online crimes.”

(The Guardian)

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