KATHMANDU, Nepal (OnPointNews) — In a tragic escalation of tensions, police in Kathmandu used lethal force against demonstrators protesting the government's ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. The clash on Monday resulted in at least 17 deaths and left over 145 individuals injured, as reported by police official Shekhar Khanal. Among the injured were 28 police officers as protests continued throughout the evening.
The chaotic scene unfolded near the Parliament, where hundreds of thousands of protesters rallied against the government's decision to block various social media sites, alleging those platforms failed to comply with official regulations. Eyewitness accounts describe how demonstrators breached barricades set up by law enforcement, leading to an aggressive response from police who then opened fire.
The atmosphere in the capital remains tense, prompting authorities to enforce a curfew around governmental buildings including the Parliament and residency of the president. Medical staff at the National Trauma Center reported that several victims suffered gunshot wounds to the head and chest, with families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones outside the facility.
"Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media," chanted the crowd, which was largely comprised of the Gen Z demographic, individuals born between 1995 and 2010, marking their presence in a political landscape that is increasingly restrictive.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing struggle for digital rights in Nepal, following a series of governmental attempts to control digital content, including prior bans on platforms like TikTok. The recent actions by the government have instigated a strong backlash from human rights advocates, decrying them as efforts to limit free expression and suppress dissent.
Reports indicate that approximately two dozen social media networks were issued multiple notifications to formally register with governmental authorities prior to the ban. While TikTok and Viber are among six platforms that have complied and escaped the blockage, the majority of popular social media services continue to be under strict restrictions.
The controversial bill that sparked the protests seeks to ensure social platforms are "properly managed and accountable," but critics argue it effectively serves as a tool for censorship, primarily targeting dissenting voices against the government's narrative on social issues.
The chaotic scene unfolded near the Parliament, where hundreds of thousands of protesters rallied against the government's decision to block various social media sites, alleging those platforms failed to comply with official regulations. Eyewitness accounts describe how demonstrators breached barricades set up by law enforcement, leading to an aggressive response from police who then opened fire.
The atmosphere in the capital remains tense, prompting authorities to enforce a curfew around governmental buildings including the Parliament and residency of the president. Medical staff at the National Trauma Center reported that several victims suffered gunshot wounds to the head and chest, with families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones outside the facility.
"Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media," chanted the crowd, which was largely comprised of the Gen Z demographic, individuals born between 1995 and 2010, marking their presence in a political landscape that is increasingly restrictive.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing struggle for digital rights in Nepal, following a series of governmental attempts to control digital content, including prior bans on platforms like TikTok. The recent actions by the government have instigated a strong backlash from human rights advocates, decrying them as efforts to limit free expression and suppress dissent.
Reports indicate that approximately two dozen social media networks were issued multiple notifications to formally register with governmental authorities prior to the ban. While TikTok and Viber are among six platforms that have complied and escaped the blockage, the majority of popular social media services continue to be under strict restrictions.
The controversial bill that sparked the protests seeks to ensure social platforms are "properly managed and accountable," but critics argue it effectively serves as a tool for censorship, primarily targeting dissenting voices against the government's narrative on social issues.
