Following violent protests in Kathmandu, the Nepalese government has removed its ban on social media. The ban, initiated on September 4, was lifted after 19 protestors were killed during demonstrations against corruption and the ban. A cabinet meeting decided to end the ban, which the government had previously justified by claiming social media platforms were not compliant with registration requirements.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in a statement, addressed the killings, blaming “infiltrating” groups for the violence instead of taking responsibility. The Minister for Communication, Information and Technology, Prithivi Subba Gurung, confirmed that the Prime Minister would not resign. After the government’s decision, platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and X became accessible. The government had defended the ban as a measure against the spread of misinformation, a move criticized by rights groups as censorship. Protesters, particularly students, expressed broader frustrations over economic hardship and corruption.
At least 19 fatalities occurred in Kathmandu, with two more deaths in Itahari. Security forces opened fire on protesters, using live rounds and tear gas. International entities, including the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States in Nepal, issued a joint statement expressing their sorrow. The embassies reaffirmed their support for human rights, including peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, urging restraint and protection of these rights. The United Nations Human Rights Office (UNHRO) has also called for an investigation into the killings.
The protests, organized by youth groups, turned violent due to the alleged excessive use of force by security personnel. The UNHRO expressed concern over the use of force and urged authorities to uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The UN also encouraged dialogue to address the grievances of young people and urged reconsideration of social media regulations to ensure compliance with human rights obligations. The protests highlight growing public discontent, particularly among the youth, over government restrictions on digital platforms and perceived suppression of dissent.
