Protests Against Nepal Social Media Ban Turn Violent, Resulting in Over a Dozen Deaths
Clashes between demonstrators and security forces lead to fatalities amid ongoing social media ban controversy.
Kathmandu — At least 13 individuals have succumbed to their injuries, and numerous others sustained injuries following a series of violent confrontations in Nepal.
These incidents transpired amidst demonstrations against the government-imposed ban on several prominent social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.Thousands of protesters, predominantly composed of young individuals identifying themselves as part of Generation Z, converged near the parliament building in Kathmandu in response to the imposition of the ban.
The gathering was prompted by dissatisfaction with a government decision aimed at regulating social media usage, citing concerns over fake news, hate speech, and online fraud.Nepal's Minister for Communication, Prithvi Subba, has asserted that law enforcement agencies were compelled to employ force, which included the deployment of water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets, to manage the escalating tensions.The government justifies its decision by emphasizing the need for social media regulation.
However, this stance faces opposition from a populace that heavily relies on platforms such as Instagram for entertainment, news, and business purposes.
Protesters were observed brandishing placards with phrases like "enough is enough" and "end to corruption," reflecting broader grievances against governmental policies.As demonstrations progressed and moved into restricted areas near the parliament, some protesters breached security perimeters.
In response, police deployed tear gas and water cannons within these enclosures.
The clashes escalated to the point where a curfew was subsequently imposed around areas including the parliament building in an attempt to control further access breaches by protestors.The escalation of tensions stems from last week's order issued by authorities mandating the blocking of 26 social media platforms for failing to register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within specified deadlines.
Although some platforms have since been reactivated after registering with the ministry, users faced significant difficulties accessing these services following the initial ban implementation.
Many have circumvented these restrictions by employing virtual private networks (VPNs) without success.The Nepalese government maintains that it is not instituting a blanket ban on social media but rather seeking to align these platforms with Nepali legal frameworks.
The ongoing dispute highlights a complex balance between governmental regulation and the preservation of digital freedoms in Nepal.
These incidents transpired amidst demonstrations against the government-imposed ban on several prominent social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.Thousands of protesters, predominantly composed of young individuals identifying themselves as part of Generation Z, converged near the parliament building in Kathmandu in response to the imposition of the ban.
The gathering was prompted by dissatisfaction with a government decision aimed at regulating social media usage, citing concerns over fake news, hate speech, and online fraud.Nepal's Minister for Communication, Prithvi Subba, has asserted that law enforcement agencies were compelled to employ force, which included the deployment of water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets, to manage the escalating tensions.The government justifies its decision by emphasizing the need for social media regulation.
However, this stance faces opposition from a populace that heavily relies on platforms such as Instagram for entertainment, news, and business purposes.
Protesters were observed brandishing placards with phrases like "enough is enough" and "end to corruption," reflecting broader grievances against governmental policies.As demonstrations progressed and moved into restricted areas near the parliament, some protesters breached security perimeters.
In response, police deployed tear gas and water cannons within these enclosures.
The clashes escalated to the point where a curfew was subsequently imposed around areas including the parliament building in an attempt to control further access breaches by protestors.The escalation of tensions stems from last week's order issued by authorities mandating the blocking of 26 social media platforms for failing to register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within specified deadlines.
Although some platforms have since been reactivated after registering with the ministry, users faced significant difficulties accessing these services following the initial ban implementation.
Many have circumvented these restrictions by employing virtual private networks (VPNs) without success.The Nepalese government maintains that it is not instituting a blanket ban on social media but rather seeking to align these platforms with Nepali legal frameworks.
The ongoing dispute highlights a complex balance between governmental regulation and the preservation of digital freedoms in Nepal.