At least 20 protesters were killed Monday when Nepal police dispersed young demonstrators in Kathmandu demanding the government lift its social media ban and tackle corruption. Several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube and X — have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused. Thousands took to the streets and were met with rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and baton-charges from police when the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire into a restricted area near parliament. “I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital,” said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the facility which received many of those wounded. “Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work,” she told AFP from the Civil Hospital. Nepali media reported police used live fire against the protesters, a claim AFP could not immediately verify. “Sixteen people have sadly died,” Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police, told AFP. “About a hundred are under treatment, including police.” The district administration imposed a curfew in several key areas of the city, including the parliament, the president’s residence and Singha Durbar, which houses the prime minister’s office.
At least 20 killed in Nepal protest over social media ban
Published on: September 9, 2025 1:18 AM