Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly Protests

Strategic Insights -

Clashes between police and thousands of protesters, predominantly from Gen-Z, left at least 19 people dead and more than 300 injured after the government blocked access to 26 major social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. The protests, sparked by the ban, have snowballed into a larger fight against corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance. The government has since withdrawn the shutdown, restoring access to the platforms.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 19 people were killed and over 300 injured in the protests against the social media ban in Nepal.
  • The government withdrew its decision to block more than two dozen social media platforms after an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday.
  • Thousands of young protesters clashed with police who fired tear gas, used water cannons, and shot live rounds after protesters tried to storm the parliament building in Kathmandu.
  • The protests, sparked by the social media ban, have snowballed into a larger fight against "corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance".
  • Protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Shut down corruption and not social media", "Unban social media" and "Youths against corruption".
  • Nepal's Communication, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced the withdrawal of the shutdown, stating that the social media platforms are now working.
  • Home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned during the cabinet meeting called by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
  • The protests began following the government's decision to block access to 26 major social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, after they failed to meet new registration rules requiring a local representative and a license.
  • Amnesty International alleged that live ammunition was used on protesters, resulting in serious injuries and even deaths.
  • The government set up a committee to investigate the protests and will provide financial relief and free treatment to those injured.

Statistics:

  • At least 19 people were killed in the protests.
  • Over 300 people were injured in the clashes between police and protesters.
  • The government blocked access to 26 major social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
  • The protests have resulted in a larger fight against corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance, with protesters demanding improvements in economic opportunities and law and order.

Sources:

  • BBC News: "Nepal's eight-year-old living goddess leaves palace to bless worshipers"
  • The Associated Press: "Nepal scraps ban on social media after protests kill at least 19"
  • Amnesty International: "Nepal: Police use excessive force against protesters"