Protests in Nepal over social media ban: 14 dead in clashes with police.

Protests in Nepal: victims and conflicts with police

According to The Sun: At least 14 people have died during mass protests in Nepal that erupted over the ban on social media, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police.

Thousands of young Nepalis, representatives of Generation Z, took to the streets to protest the government's decision to block 26 platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube.

The government shut down 26 platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament in Kathmandu to express their protest against this decision.

People waved the national flag of Nepal, chanting: “Lift the social media ban, stop corruption, not social media.”

The protests escalated into bloody clashes with the police, resulting in 14 deaths, according to preliminary reports. Many others were injured, state media reported.

According to reports, the police opened fire on demonstrators who attempted to break into parliament. Nepal's Minister of Communication Prithvi Subba told the BBC that law enforcement used water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets during the unrest.

These protests have become symbolic for Generation Z, as many young Nepalis express their stance. The authorities imposed a curfew in some areas of the city to reduce violence.

“Tear gas and water cannons were used when protesters broke into a restricted zone,” a police representative told AFP.

The government of Nepal has blocked more than two dozen social media platforms due to unsatisfactory compliance with registration requirements. Officials claim that regulation is necessary to prevent the spread of fake news and internet fraud. However, critics condemn these actions as censorship and an attack on freedom of speech.

Many of the blocked sites are actively used in Nepal, further fueling the outrage of many against this decision. Meanwhile, other platforms like TikTok and Viber have managed to register with the relevant authorities in Nepal and continue to operate without interference.

Some users resort to using VPNs to access blocked sites. It is noted that TikTok was also blocked in Nepal in 2023 due to allegations of violating 'social harmony,' but the ban was lifted in 2024 after meeting the requirements of local laws.

Additional information will be available as events unfold. Stay tuned to The U.S. Sun for the latest news.

Intense protests in Nepal over the government's ban on social media emphasize the importance of freedom of speech in modern society. The situation remains tense as the government attempts to control information flows while the youth demand change. The details of the conflict may have far-reaching consequences for the political atmosphere in the country.