At least 19 protesters were killed after Nepal police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators demanding the government lift of ban on social media and tackle corruption.
Thousands protestors, mostly youths took to the streets, protesting against corruption and the government’s ban on 26 social media apps, including Face book, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), on Monday in Kathmandu and other places .
Visuals of the protests showed thousands of people pushing through barbed wire, forcing riot police to retreat as they surrounded the Parliament building. Waving national flags, the crowd chanted, “Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media.”
The army has been deployed in the Nepali capital following the imposition of a curfew in the area.
Sources said the government is deliberating lifting the ban and that the home minister is likely to resign.
The move to ban the 26 apps, effective September 4, by the authorities came as the government sent a bill for a debate in Parliament that wants to ensure that social platforms are “properly managed, responsible and accountable.” The bill has been widely criticized as a tool for censorship and punishing government opponents who voice their protests online.
(With inputs from agencies)
2 thoughts on “19 protesters killed in Nepal opposing ban on social media”
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Social media has become an important public space, and closing it down may solve a regulatory problem but creates higher social, economic, and democratic costs.
Looks like the protests in Nepal are gaining huge attention right now. The people seem really determined to raise their voices, and the government’s response will be crucial in shaping what comes next. ✊🇳🇵 #NepalProtests #VoiceOfThePeople