Nepal Protests Intensify After Government's Social Media Ban Leads to Fatalities

Tue Sep 30 2025 16:58:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In Kathmandu, Nepal, police opened fire on protesters opposing a government ban on social media platforms, resulting in at least 17 deaths and numerous injuries. Demonstrators condemned the ban, accusing the government of restricting freedom of expression.

Authorities in Kathmandu faced massive protests after they imposed a ban on social media platforms, claiming the failure of companies to comply with regulations. The protests escalated to violence when police opened fire, leading to numerous casualties and igniting a national debate on censorship and freedom of expression.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — In a tragic escalation of protests, at least 17 people were killed on Monday in Kathmandu as police opened fire on demonstrators opposing a government ban on various social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.

The violence erupted as protests intensified around the Parliament, fueled by anger over the government's recent decision to block platforms that refused to comply with local registration requirements. Police reported that approximately 145 people were injured, including 28 officers.

Demonstrators breached police barricades and forced the retreat of riot officers inside the Parliament complex, leading to dramatic confrontations. Emergency services rushed several critically wounded individuals to the National Trauma Center, where families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones.

“Many of them are in serious condition and appear to have been shot in the head and chest,” reported Dr. Badri Risal of the National Trauma Center, highlighting the perilous state of many victims.

The protests, which have persisted into the night, saw crowds chanting, Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media, while waving the national red and blue flags. Locally termed as the 'protest of Gen Z', the rallies have drawn significant participation from younger generations.

As the situation evolved, officials imposed a curfew around strategic locations, including Parliament and the presidential residence, to prevent further violence.

Amidst the chaos, the government reiterated that the ban on social media was essential to ensure control and accountability over platforms operating in Nepal. They stated that these platforms received multiple warnings before the ban was enforced.

In response to the growing outcry, rights groups criticized the government's bill seeking to regulate social media as a tool to stifle dissent and curb free speech.

Nepal’s previous attempts to regulate social media have faced backlash, notably the ban on TikTok in 2023 for claims of disrupting social harmony, which was eventually lifted after the company committed to uphold local regulations.

As protests continue to unfold, the future of social media regulations in Nepal remains uncertain, raising significant questions about governmental accountability and citizens' rights to free expression.