At least 19 people were killed in Nepal on Monday after violent protests erupted over a government ban on social media platforms and growing anger at corruption, authorities confirmed.
In Kathmandu, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as mainly young demonstrators attempted to storm parliament. Some broke through barricades, set an ambulance on fire, and clashed with riot police guarding the complex. More than 100 people, including 28 police officers, were injured and rushed to hospitals, with protesters using motorcycles to ferry the wounded. Two additional deaths were reported in the eastern city of Itahari after protests there turned violent.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli convened an emergency cabinet meeting as demonstrations spread nationwide. Many protesters, including students in school uniforms, carried placards reading “Unban social media” and “Shut down corruption, not social media.”
Organisers have branded the rallies as “Gen Z protests,” highlighting the frustration of Nepal’s younger generation over corruption, limited opportunities, and restrictions on digital freedom. The government said the ban was imposed after platforms failed to register locally and were being misused to spread hate speech, fake news, and fraud.
Also Read:
Under an Emergency legislation, Trump Requests That the US Supreme Court Sustain Tariffs
