At least 17 people were killed on Monday after police in Kathmandu opened fire on demonstrators protesting against corruption and a government decision to block major social media platforms, officials confirmed.
Police said 145 others were injured in the unrest, including 28 officers. Many of the wounded suffered gunshot injuries to the head and chest, according to Dr. Badri Risal, a physician treating victims.
Tens of thousands of people, largely led by Gen Z activists, flooded the streets of Nepal’s capital to denounce both corruption and the government’s new restrictions on Facebook, X, YouTube and other platforms. Protesters accused the authorities of trying to silence dissent under the guise of regulation.
The government argued the platforms had failed to register and comply with oversight requirements, and has introduced a bill in Parliament that would force companies to appoint official representatives in the country. Critics say the legislation is a censorship tool designed to punish opponents and undermine freedom of expression.
Chanting slogans such as “Stop corruption, not social media,” demonstrators tore down barbed wire barricades and surrounded the Parliament building, forcing riot police to retreat. Security forces initially used water cannons and tear gas before resorting to live fire.
Authorities later declared a curfew around Parliament, the government secretariat, the presidential residence and other sensitive sites in Kathmandu. Despite the crackdown, smaller protests continued into the night, underscoring mounting public anger at what many describe as an increasingly authoritarian government.
