Nineteen people die in Nepal during protests against corruption and internet restrictions.
On September 9, 2025, Nepal lifted a ban on social media that had been instituted in the wake of widespread protests against internet restrictions and allegations of governmental corruption. This decision followed a tragic escalation of violence, as reports indicate that at least 19 individuals lost their lives due to actions taken by security forces in the capital city of Kathmandu.
According to police spokesperson Shekhar Khanal, 17 of these fatalities occurred in Kathmandu, while two additional lives were claimed in the eastern province of Sunsari. Demonstrators, many advocating for enhanced transparency and digital freedoms, clashed with law enforcement as they attempted to breach barbed wire barricades en route to Parliament. Authorities responded with measures including rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, and batons, resulting in approximately 400 injuries, which notably included more than 100 police officers.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned following the violence, highlighting the significant fallout from these events. Eyewitness testimony underscored the severity of the situation: one protester, 20-year-old Iman Magar, recounted an experience of being injured by what he claimed was a metallic projectile, emphasizing the misconduct that undermined the peaceful nature of the demonstration.
Emergency responders were overwhelmed as they rushed injured individuals to various hospitals throughout the city. Ranjana Nepal, an information officer at the Civil Service Hospital, described an exceptionally chaotic scene, stating that tear gas entered hospital premises, complicating the medical efforts on the ground.
The initial social media restrictions had sparked considerable unrest, particularly among younger Nepalis who utilize platforms such as Instagram for communication, entertainment, and business development. Advocacy organizations, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the use of force against protesters.
A local publication, the Kathmandu Post, reflected on the broader implications of these demonstrations, emphasizing that the movement was not purely about social media access, but rather about a generation grappling with issues of trust, transparency, and the quest for freedom. Many young people in Nepal perceive digital access as synonymous with personal liberty, resulting in heightened feelings of frustration when access is curtailed.
Nepal has a history of implementing restrictions on online platforms, having previously targeted applications such as Telegram and TikTok in response to various concerns. The lifting of the social media ban represents a critical moment for the nation as it navigates the intersection of digital freedom and governance.
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