Nepal protests authorities block social media activities, violent dispersal leads to 17 deaths and 400 injuries 
On September 8th, Kathmandu reported that last week, the Nepalese government ordered the blocking of 26 platforms, including Facebook, Youtube, X, and Linkedin, because these platforms did not register within the prescribed time, which sparked anger and dissatisfaction among millions of users.
This Monday morning, thousands of young people gathered on the streets of Kathmandu, demanding the restoration of their favorite online services and condemning what they described as the scourge of corruption plaguing this small Himalayan country.
AFP reporters saw that the situation took a sharp turn for the worse when the police used tear gas, water cannons, batons, and live ammunition to prevent the parade from approaching the parliament.
Iman Magar, 20, was hospitalized for a gunshot wound to his arm. He said, "I was originally here to participate in a peaceful demonstration, but the government did not hesitate to use force
Metal bullets
He added when showing the wound, 'This is not a rubber bullet, but a metal bullet that knocked out a part of my palm.'. The doctor said I need to undergo surgery
When asked by Agence France Presse to verify with police spokesperson Shekhar Karnal, he only mentioned that "when protesters entered the restricted area, the police used tear gas and water cannons".
According to Kanal, according to the latest statistics released in the evening, "17 people have died" and another 400 people have been injured, including about 100 police officers.
According to spokesperson Lanjana Nepal of the hospital, at least three injured people have died at a civilian hospital in Kathmandu, which has treated over 150 injured people.
She told Agence France Presse, 'I have never seen such a chaotic scene in a hospital before.'. Tear gas permeated the entire hospital, making it difficult for medical staff to carry out their work
The government led by KP Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of the Communist Party of Nepal, will hold an emergency meeting in the evening.
curfew
The capital authorities have implemented curfews in multiple areas, including the seat of parliament and the areas where the presidential and government officials' residences are located.
Amnesty International demands a "comprehensive, independent, and impartial investigation" into the police intervention and confirms that live ammunition was used by the police.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Nepal announced on Thursday that, according to a ruling by the Supreme Court in 2023, many platforms will be blocked, requiring them to appoint a local representative and a content regulatory leader.
The lockdown measures continued on Monday, disrupting many activities and sparking anger among users.
We condemn the social media blockade and also condemn the institutionalized corruption in Nepal, "24-year-old student Yuyan Rajbandari told Agence France Presse
20-year-old Ikshama Tumrok added, "This decision reflects the authoritarian style of the government, and we hope to change this situation
Since the self imposed lockdown came into effect, platforms still in operation, such as Tik Tok, have been flooded with videos questioning the luxurious lives of politicians' children.
Anti corruption movements have emerged around the world, and they (leaders, editor's note) are concerned that the same situation may occur here, "commented another protester, Bumika Barati.
The government denied any intention to restrict freedom in its statement on Sunday and explained its desire to create an environment that protects freedom and allows for its exercise.
The government reiterates that once it receives a registration application from the relevant platform, it will resume its operation.
The lockdown order issued on Thursday is not the first time. Last July, the government suspended Telegram communication services citing a surge in online fraud cases. |
