At least 10 killed, dozens wounded as Nepal protests against social media ban escalate

Kathmandu: At least 10 protesters died on Monday after Nepal police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators demanding an end to the social media ban and action against corruption.

"Until now 10 protesters have died and 87 are injured," said Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police.

Local media reported that six people died at Bir Hospital and two more at Civil Hospital, citing doctors in Kathmandu. Dozens more wounded protesters were being treated at half a dozen hospitals after police opened fire on crowds attempting to storm the Parliament building.

Anger on the streets

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Nepal’s capital to protest against the government’s decision to block most social media platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube. The authorities argued that the companies had failed to register and submit to government oversight.

Protesters pushed through barbed wire barricades and forced riot police to retreat as they surrounded Parliament. Police initially fired tear gas and water cannon but were outnumbered and retreated inside the complex.

The government later announced a curfew around Parliament, the government secretariat, the presidential house and key city areas.

Protest of Gen Z

Chanting “Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media,” protesters waved Nepal’s red and blue national flags. The rally was labelled the “protest of Gen Z,” referring to those born between 1995 and 2010.

Government’s justification

Officials said that around two dozen social networking platforms widely used in Nepal had been repeatedly asked to register locally. Those failing to comply were blocked last week. TikTok, Viber and three other platforms have registered and continue to operate.

The move came as the government introduced a bill in Parliament to ensure social platforms are “properly managed, responsible and accountable.” It includes provisions requiring companies to set up a liaison office in Nepal.

Criticism and history of bans

Rights groups condemned the bill as a tool of censorship designed to silence government opponents and restrict freedom of expression.

In 2023, Nepal banned TikTok for disrupting “social harmony, goodwill and diffusing indecent materials.” The ban was lifted last year after TikTok pledged compliance with local laws. A wider ban on pornographic sites was enforced in 2018.