Nepal protests: Nine people have lost their lives as tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, on Monday to protest the authorities’ move to block major social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, citing the companies’ failure to register and comply with government regulations.
Protesters pushed through barbed wires and forced riot police to retreat as they surrounded the Parliament building. Police fired tear gas and water cannon but were outnumbered and sought safety inside the Parliament complex.
The situation remained tense in India's northern neighbouring country and the government announced a curfew for Monday around Parliament, the government secretariat, presidential house and key parts of the city.
ALSO READ: Nepal’s Gen Z protests social media ban, calls for end to corruption
“Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media,” the crowds chanted, waving the red and blue national flags. Monday's rally was called the protest of Gen Z, generally referring to people born between 1995 and 2010.
Banned social media apps in Nepal
The banned apps include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, Reddit, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Signal.
About two dozen social network platforms that are widely used in Nepal were repeatedly given notices to register their companies officially in the country, the government said. Those which failed to register have been blocked since last week.
Only five companies, including TikTok and Viber, complied with the order and were not restricted.
Why are people protesting in Nepal?
The move by the authorities came as the government sent a bill for a debate in Parliament that wants to ensure that social platforms are “properly managed, responsible and accountable.” It includes asking the companies to appoint a liaison office or point in the country.
The bill has been widely criticized as a tool for censorship and punishing government opponents who voice their protests online. Rights groups have called it an attempt by the government to curb freedom of expression and violate fundamental rights.
The almost blanket ban on apps caused chaos over the weekend, hitting businesses and Nepal’s vital tourism industry, which relies heavily on social media to promote, reach and communicate with customers both domestically and abroad.
Large numbers of Nepalese also have family members living and working abroad who rely on social media and messaging apps for communication with relatives.
On Sunday dozens of journalists gathered in the capital, Kathmandu, to protest against the bans, holding up signs with slogans including “no shutdown of social networks, no silencing of voices”, as well as “freedom of expression is our right”, and “democracy hacked, authoritarianism back”.
In a statement, international NGO the Committee to Protect Journalists warned that the ban set a “dangerous precedent for press freedom”.
Oli, the PM, hit back at critics, saying he would not tolerate the “nation being undermined”.
“The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty?” said Oli in a speech on Sunday.
Protesters pushed through barbed wires and forced riot police to retreat as they surrounded the Parliament building. Police fired tear gas and water cannon but were outnumbered and sought safety inside the Parliament complex.
The situation remained tense in India's northern neighbouring country and the government announced a curfew for Monday around Parliament, the government secretariat, presidential house and key parts of the city.
ALSO READ: Nepal’s Gen Z protests social media ban, calls for end to corruption
“Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media,” the crowds chanted, waving the red and blue national flags. Monday's rally was called the protest of Gen Z, generally referring to people born between 1995 and 2010.
Banned social media apps in Nepal
The banned apps include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, Reddit, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Signal.
About two dozen social network platforms that are widely used in Nepal were repeatedly given notices to register their companies officially in the country, the government said. Those which failed to register have been blocked since last week.
Only five companies, including TikTok and Viber, complied with the order and were not restricted.
Why are people protesting in Nepal?
The move by the authorities came as the government sent a bill for a debate in Parliament that wants to ensure that social platforms are “properly managed, responsible and accountable.” It includes asking the companies to appoint a liaison office or point in the country.
The bill has been widely criticized as a tool for censorship and punishing government opponents who voice their protests online. Rights groups have called it an attempt by the government to curb freedom of expression and violate fundamental rights.
The almost blanket ban on apps caused chaos over the weekend, hitting businesses and Nepal’s vital tourism industry, which relies heavily on social media to promote, reach and communicate with customers both domestically and abroad.
Large numbers of Nepalese also have family members living and working abroad who rely on social media and messaging apps for communication with relatives.
On Sunday dozens of journalists gathered in the capital, Kathmandu, to protest against the bans, holding up signs with slogans including “no shutdown of social networks, no silencing of voices”, as well as “freedom of expression is our right”, and “democracy hacked, authoritarianism back”.
In a statement, international NGO the Committee to Protect Journalists warned that the ban set a “dangerous precedent for press freedom”.
Oli, the PM, hit back at critics, saying he would not tolerate the “nation being undermined”.
“The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty?” said Oli in a speech on Sunday.
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