Protesters gathered at the entrance of parliament
Report from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal says, at least 13 people have been killed and dozens are injured in Nepal after demonstrations against a government social media ban led to clashes between protesters and security forces.
According to BBC, thousands heeded a call by demonstrators describing themselves as Generation Z to gather near the parliament building in Kathmandu over the decision to ban platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube.
Nepal’s Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba told the BBC police had to use force — which included water cannons, batons and firing rubber bullets.
The government has said social media platforms need to be regulated to tackle fake news, hate speech and online fraud.
But popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal, who rely on them for entertainment, news and business.
Read Also: Nepali Woman Sets Record As Fastest Female To Ascend Mount Everest
Demonstrators carried placards with slogans including “enough is enough” and “end to corruption”.
Some said they were protesting against what they called the authoritarian attitude of the government.
As the rally moved into a restricted area close to parliament, some protesters climbed over the wall.
“Tear gas and water cannons were used after the protesters breached into the restricted area,” police spokesman Shekhar Khanal told the AFP news agency.
A Kathmandu district office spokesperson said a curfew was imposed around areas including the parliament building after protesters attempted to enter.
Last week authorities ordered the blocking of 26 social media platforms for not complying with a deadline to register with Nepal’s ministry of communication and information technology.
Since Friday, users have experienced difficulty in accessing the platforms, though some are using VPNs to get around the ban. So far, two platforms have been reactivated after registering with the ministry following the ban.
Nepal’s government has argued it is not banning social media but trying to bring them in line with Nepali law. — BBC via SG
Share your thoughts on the story Protests Against Social Media Ban In Nepal Turn Violent, 13 Dead with Nigerian Kicker in the comments section.
