KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Clashes erupted in Kathmandu on Monday as police opened fire on protesters demonstrating against the government's ban on numerous social media platforms, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 17 people and injuring approximately 145 others, including 28 police officers.
The police official Shekhar Khanal confirmed that protests surged around the Parliament building, where thousands gathered, irate over the government's decision to block platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube. The government claimed these companies had disregarded registration and oversight requirements.
As tensions escalated, protesters stormed through barriers, pushing back riot police who eventually fired into the crowd. Amidst the chaos, the government imposed a curfew in significant areas, including around Parliament and the presidential palace, as the situation remained volatile.
Dr. Badri Risal, of the National Trauma Center, reported that many of the injured appeared to have sustained gunshot wounds to critical areas like the head and chest. Families anxiously awaited updates on their loved ones outside the hospital, with many offering to donate blood.
The protests, termed the "Protest of Gen Z" as young activists rallied against the ban, echoed demands for “stopping corruption, not social media” as demonstrators waved national flags in an outpouring of frustration.
Government officials maintain that social media platforms must appoint representatives and comply with local laws to operate in Nepal. Critics label the legislation a breach of free speech aimed at curtailing dissent against the government.
Previous regulations led to the ban of TikTok in 2023 for disturbing societal peace, but it was lifted last year after the platform pledged compliance with local laws, indicating the fraught landscape of digital expression in Nepal.
With civil liberties at stake, the aftermath of this tragedy raises serious questions about the future of social media regulation and the protection of human rights in Nepal.