KATHMANDU, Nepal (FlashPoint) — Protests in Kathmandu turned deadly on Monday as police opened fire on demonstrators opposing a government ban on social media platforms, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 individuals and injuries to 145 others, including 28 police officers.
Police spokesperson Shekhar Khanal confirmed the casualty figures and noted that protests continued throughout the evening, fueled by widespread anger against the government's decision to block popular platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Amid escalating tensions, thousands took to the streets and attempted to breach barricades around Parliament, chanting slogans against the social media ban and demanding an end to governmental corruption. In response to the unrest, authorities declared a curfew around key governmental sites.
Reports from the National Trauma Center indicate that several injured protesters suffered serious gunshot wounds to critical areas such as the head and chest. As families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones outside the hospital, many lined up to donate blood for the injured.
The protests have been characterized by passionate calls from a youth demographic often referred to as Gen Z, emphasizing a collective wish to restore their rights in the digital landscape. Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media, chanted the demonstrators, as they approached the Parliament building.
The government's move to ban these platforms stems from claims that they failed to register as required, thereby lacking oversight. Officials argued that such regulations are essential for ensuring social media companies are 'properly managed, responsible, and accountable.' However, rights advocates have criticized the legislation as an infringement on freedom of expression.
Historically, Nepal's government enacted a temporary ban on TikTok earlier in 2023, citing concerns over "social harmony." The ban was lifted in 2024 after TikTok executives committed to complying with local regulations.
