At least 10 people were killed and dozens more wounded in Nepal’s capital on Monday after police opened fire on demonstrators protesting a government decision to block major social media platforms. The violence erupted outside the Parliament building in Kathmandu, where tens of thousands had gathered to oppose what many see as a sweeping attempt at censorship.
Witnesses and hospital officials confirmed the fatalities, with six deaths reported at Bir Hospital, two at Civil Hospital, and two more at KMC Hospital. Doctors at several facilities, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to comment, said they were treating dozens of injured protesters.
The rally, which has been described as a “protest of Gen Z,” brought crowds carrying Nepal’s red and blue flags and chanting, “Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media.” Demonstrators forced back riot police, breaking through barbed wire and surrounding the Parliament complex. Police initially responded with tear gas and water cannons but, when overwhelmed, retreated inside the building and eventually opened fire on the crowd.
The government has since imposed a curfew around Parliament, the presidential palace, the secretariat, and other key areas of the city to contain further unrest.
Authorities last week ordered the blocking of most popular platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, saying the companies had failed to officially register or comply with oversight rules. TikTok, Viber, and three other platforms that registered continue to operate. The move coincides with a parliamentary bill seeking stricter controls, requiring companies to establish liaison offices in Nepal and accept local accountability measures.
The bill has been sharply criticized by rights groups, who say it is aimed at silencing dissent and restricting fundamental freedoms. Critics argue the government is targeting online voices of opposition under the guise of regulation.
Nepal has a history of controversial digital restrictions, including a 2018 ban on pornographic websites and a 2023 ban on TikTok, which was later lifted after negotiations with the company. The latest crackdown has triggered one of the largest youth-led protests in the country in recent years, highlighting growing frustration with corruption and shrinking space for free expression.