Nepal Protests: 14 Killed Amid Unrest Over Social Media Ban

At least 14 people have been killed during ongoing protests in Nepal, state-run media reported.

The demonstrations, which began in the capital Kathmandu, are mainly led by young people demanding the government end corruption and lift its recent ban on major social media platforms.

The unrest erupted after the Nepalese government blocked access to 26 unregistered sites, including Facebook, YouTube, and X. The restrictions have left millions of citizens frustrated, with many describing the move as an attack on their freedom of expression.

Protesters carrying national flags gathered in Kathmandu, starting their rally with the singing of the national anthem before chanting slogans against both corruption and the social media bans. According to reports, the wave of anger has been particularly strong among the younger generation, many of whom consider online platforms as their main space for communication and activism.

Since the restrictions were imposed, TikTok one of the few platforms still accessible has been flooded with critical videos. Many Nepalis have shared clips highlighting the sharp contrast between the struggles of ordinary citizens and the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ families, fueling more anger on the streets.

The death toll has continued to rise as protests spread, with no official statement yet on whether the government is considering lifting the bans.