Nepal Unrest: Government Ban on Social Media Provokes Deadly Protests

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of youths in Nepal clashed with police in Kathmandu on Monday, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 87 injuries. The protesters were demonstrating against a government ban on social media sites, including Facebook and YouTube, which were blocked on Friday after the government ordered 26 unregistered platforms to register in the country. The protests turned violent when agitators entered the Parliament complex, prompting police to resort to baton charges, tear gas shells, and rubber bullets. The government had blocked the platforms citing a Supreme Court order from last year, but rights groups have criticized the move as an attempt to curb freedom of expression and violate fundamental rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 10 protesters were killed, and 87 were injured in the clashes between police and youths in Kathmandu.
  • The protests were against a government ban on social media sites, including Facebook and YouTube, which were blocked on Friday.
  • The government had ordered 26 unregistered platforms to register in the country, but only a few, including TikTok, Viber, and three other platforms, have complied.
  • The ban has been criticized by rights groups as an attempt to curb freedom of expression and violate fundamental rights.
  • The government has said it respects freedom of thought and expression and is committed to creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use.
  • The protests have been organized by youths, including school students, under the banner of 'Gen Z', who are demanding an end to corruption and authoritarianism.

Statistics:

  • At least 10 protesters were killed in the clashes.
  • 87 people were injured.
  • 26 social media platforms were ordered to register in the country.
  • Only 4 platforms, including TikTok and Viber, have complied.
  • The ban on social media sites was implemented after a Supreme Court order in September last year.
  • The protests have been ongoing since Friday.
  • The government had blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering.
  • The ban on TikTok was lifted in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.

Sources:

  • The New Indian Express - Agencies
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Ada Derana