AT least 14 people are dead after mass demonstrations against a major social media ban in Nepal led to clashes between protesters and cops.
Thousands of “Gen Z” Nepalis have taken to the streets to protest their government’s decision to block 26 sites including Facebook, X and YouTube.
GettyPolice intervene as Nepalese youth stage an anti-government protest in Kathmandu[/caption]
EPAThe government shut down 26 platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp[/caption]
EPAProtests against a government social media ban have turned violent in Nepal[/caption]
EPAPolice take cover during clashes with protesters in front of the parliament building[/caption]
Demonstrators gathered near the parliament building in Kathmandu to state their opposition to the ban.
Crowds carrying Nepal’s national flag chanted: “Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media.”
But the protests have escalated into deadly clashes with police, with around 14 people reported dead so far.
Dozens more are believed to be injured, according to state run television.
Cops are reported to have shot at demonstrators who attempted to storm the parliament building.
Nepal’s Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba told the BBC that police have used water cannons, batons and rubber bullets during the unrest.
The demonstrations have been dubbed a protest for Gen Z, as many younger Nepalis have come out to take a stand.
Authorities have resorted to imposing a curfew over parts of the city in a bid to stem the violence.
A small number of soldiers have been deployed to the capital after the curfew was announced, a spokesperson told the BBC.
Tear gas filled the streets as demonstrators defied the authorities to express their anger at the social media ban.
Protesters have been pictured clashing with riot police in the capital, with some seen climbing the wall near the restricted area.
A police spokesman told AFP: “Tear gas and water cannons were used after the protesters breached into the restricted area.”
Riot police were forced to retreat to safety after protesters surrounded the parliament building, according to reports.
More than two dozen social media platforms have been blocked by the government for not complying with a registration deadline.
Officials argue that regulation is needed to prevent the spread of fake news and internet fraud.
But critics have blasted the measure censorship and an attack of freedom of expression.
Slogans including “enough is enough” and “end to corruption” have adorned placards at the protests.
Many of the banned sites are widely used in Nepal, further stoking anger at the move.
But other platforms such as TikTok and Viber have registered with Nepal’s authorities and are continuing to operate without disruption.
Some users have resorted to downloading VPNs to get access to the banned websites.
TikTok was previously blocked in Nepal in 2023 after it was accused of disrupting “social harmony, goodwill and diffusing indecent materials”.
The ban was lifted in 2024 after the company committed to comply with a number of local laws.
EPAAuthorities have resorted to imposing a curfew over parts of the city[/caption]
AFPProtesters clash with police in front of the parliament building[/caption]
AFPThe demonstrations have been dubbed a protest for Gen Z[/caption]
APProtesters surround an armoured vehicle of a police during clashes[/caption]
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