Several people were killed on Monday (8) in Katmandu, Nepal’s capital, after protests against the government’s decision to block social networking platforms result in clashes with the police.
According to the authorities, at least 19 protesters lost their lives and dozens were injured when security forces used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and at one point even opened fire on the crowd.
Katmandu police spokesman Shekhar Khanal confirmed that 17 deaths occurred in the capital.
“Tear gas and water cannons were used after protesters invaded the restricted area,” he told the agency France-press (AFP). Already in the east of the country, in Itahari, two other protesters died after the decree of a collector touch, according to local police.
The government had determined last week the blockade of 26 digital platforms – including Facebook, X and Youtube – on the grounds that they did not meet the deadline to register with the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology. Since then, millions of users have been facing access difficulties, although many use VPNs to circumvent the restrictions.
The protests, called mainly by young people, gathered thousands in front of the Parliament. Protesters carried posters with phrases such as “No more corruption” and chanted slogans.
“Stop the ban on social networks, fight corruption, not the internet,” they shouted.
The situation worsened when part of the crowd exceeded security barriers and tried to enter the parliamentary complex. Police officers were forced to retreat into the building and then responded with firearm shots. Doctors reported to the press that many injuries victims of the authorities during the protest had serious injuries.
“Many seem to have been hit in the head and chest,” he said.
The government of Nepal has decreed a touch of collecting in strategic areas of the capital, such as Parliament, Government headquarters and presidential residence. The army also positioned troops on the streets.
The measures against social networks are part of a bill that is under discussion in the Nepalese parliament, requiring technology companies to open official representation in the country and follow strict content monitoring rules. Authorities claim that the legislation aims to combat fake news, hate speeches and online fraud.
Human rights organizations and internal critics report, however, that the proposal is an instrument of censorship. For them, the real goal is to control freedom of expression and punish political opponents who use networks to denounce corruption and government arbitrariness.
By 2023, Nepal had temporarily banned the Tiktok application, accusing him of harming “social harmony.”
