At least 13 people have been killed and dozens injured in Nepal after protests erupted over a government ban on social media, resulting in violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
Demonstrators identifying themselves as part of Generation Z gathered near the parliament in Kathmandu, vocally opposing the ban on platforms including Facebook, X, and YouTube. They argue that these services are essential for entertainment, news, and business.
Nepal's Minister for Communication, Prithvi Subba, stated that police were forced to use water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. The government claims the regulation of social media is required to combat misinformation, hate speech, and fraudulent activities.
Despite the government's assertions that the ban is not a comprehensive prohibition but rather an attempt to enforce compliance with Nepali law, many citizens view it as an infringement on their freedoms. Protest signs reading enough is enough and end to corruption highlighted the public's frustration with perceived government overreach.
The demonstrations intensified when some protesters attempted to breach restricted areas around parliament, leading to a significant escalation in police response, including the use of tear gas.
In light of the unrest, local authorities imposed a curfew around the parliament building to ensure public safety. The situation has been exacerbated since authorities announced the suspension of 26 social media platforms for failing to meet registration deadlines with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
As of now, some users have bypassed the ban using VPNs, while two platforms have been reactivated after complying with regulations.
This breaking situation is ongoing, with more details expected to surface.
