At least 19 dead after protests  against social media ban in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal– At least 16 people have lost their lives in Nepal‘s capital, Kathmandu, as violent protests broke out against the government’s decision to ban dozens of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X.

The ban, imposed due to non-compliance with new regulations, has sparked widespread outrage and chaos across the country, affecting businesses, tourism, and personal communication.

The government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, defended the ban, citing the need to crack down on hate speech, fake news, and online crimes.

However, critics argue that this move sets a “dangerous precedent for press freedom” and is an attempt to exert control over social media. In a statement, the Committee to Protect Journalists NGO expressed concern over the ban’s implications for freedom of expression.

Tens of thousands of young people gathered in Kathmandu to protest against the order, with clashes erupting as demonstrators broke through barriers and attempted to storm the parliament building.

Police responded with force, using batons, teargas, rubber bullets, and water cannons. According to Nepali police, the deceased suffered serious injuries, including bullet wounds to the head and chest.

In a speech on Sunday, Prime Minister Oli had warned that he would not tolerate the “nation being undermined,” emphasizing that national independence takes precedence over individual losses.

“The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence and sovereignty?” he said.

The protests have also drawn attention to concerns about growing authoritarianism under the Oli government.

Critics point to draft bills governing press freedom and social media that could lead to fines or imprisonment for content deemed against the “national interest” and allow the government to shut down newspapers and revoke journalists’ licenses.

Meanwhile, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children have gone viral on TikTok, which remains accessible after complying with government regulations.

Journalists and activists have taken to the streets, holding signs with slogans like “no shutdown of social networks, no silencing of voices” and “democracy hacked, authoritarianism back.”

As the situation unfolds, the government has imposed a curfew in areas of the capital, and there are indications that the ban on social media might be lifted amid mounting pressure. The international community is watching closely, with concerns about the implications for press freedom and human rights in Nepal.