Nepal lifts social media ban after 19 people were killed during protests

Nepal’s government has lifted its ban on social media apps including Facebook and X after at least 19 people were killed yesterday during protests, The Guardian reported. “We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” said communications minister Prithvi Subba Gurung. In a new development, Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has resigned due to the unrest, his aide told Reuters.

Last week, the government announced it was blocking 26 social media platforms due to noncompliance with a new law requiring them to register in the nation. That action led to criticism from groups like the Federation of Nepali Journalists and Digital Rights Nepal, which called the sudden closure “controlling.”

Then on Monday, thousands of Nepalese youths started “Gen Z” protests across the country. While triggered by the social media ban, they were fueled by perceived corruption among elites in the nation and the lack of economic opportunities for young people. One site that wasn’t banned, TikTok, showed videos featuring children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and pricy vacations, in contrast to the struggles of regular people. “We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalized in Nepal,” a 24-year-old student told The Guardian.

During the demonstrations, protesters attempted to enter a Kathmandu parliament building and were repelled by police using water cannon, batons and rubber bullets. However, Amnesty International said live ammunition was also used and police confirmed that 19 people had died in the protests and hundreds were injured.

The unrest has continued despite the ban being lifted, with reports of protesters setting fire to the homes of some politicians and ministers being rescued by military helicopters, according to local media. “We are still standing here for our future … We want this country corruption-free so that everyone can easily access education, hospitals, medical [facilities] … for a bright future,” protester Robin Sreshtha told Reuters.