The government of Nepal has lifted its social media ban, one day after at least 19 people were killed and nearly 400 injured in nationwide protests demanding digital freedom and stronger action against corruption.
According to AFP reporters in Kathmandu, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X are now back online, after being blocked since Friday. The initial restrictions targeted 26 unregistered platforms but quickly extended to major apps, sparking widespread outrage, particularly among youth who rely heavily on digital platforms for communication, news, and business.
The crackdown turned deadly on Monday when demonstrators attempted to breach barriers near parliament. Seventeen people were killed in Kathmandu and two in Sunsari, police confirmed. Over 100 officers were also injured. Witnesses reported tear gas entering hospitals, complicating treatment for the wounded.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, 73, expressed deep regret, stating he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and announced an independent investigation committee. The Minister of Interior resigned during an emergency cabinet session, while the Minister of Communication confirmed that the ban had been revoked.
Amnesty International accused security forces of using live ammunition, while the United Nations demanded a transparent probe into the deadly violence.
Observers note that beyond social media, the unrest reflects deeper frustrations with corruption, inequality, and political mistrust in a country where unemployment is around 10% and per capita income remains one of the lowest in Asia.
As the Kathmandu Post editorialized: “For Gen Z, digital freedom is personal freedom. Cutting off access feels like silencing an entire generation.”
