Nepal Police Kill 17 in Mass Protests Against Social Media Crackdown in Kathmandu
Story: written by Okafor Joseph September 11,2025
KATHMANDU, Nepal — At least 17 people were killed and more than 145 injured Monday after police opened fire on massive protests in Nepal’s capital, where thousands rallied against a government policy restricting access to major social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube.
The demonstrations erupted outside Parliament, where angry crowds dismantled barbed wire and forced riot police to retreat inside the complex. Authorities confirmed that 28 officers were among the wounded, as unrest spread across central Kathmandu.
Deadly Response to Online Censorship Bill
The violence comes amid Nepal’s push to enforce a controversial social media regulation bill requiring platforms to register with the government and appoint local representatives. Officials claim the law would ensure digital accountability, but critics warn it is designed to silence dissent and expand state censorship.
About two dozen popular networks have been blocked since last week for failing to register. In contrast, TikTok, Viber, and three other apps remain active after complying with government demands.
Hospitals Overwhelmed
At the National Trauma Center, doctors reported that many victims were shot in the head or chest. “Several are in critical condition,” said Dr. Badri Risa, as families gathered outside to await news and volunteers lined up to donate blood.
The government imposed a curfew around Parliament, the presidential palace, and key areas of Kathmandu to prevent further unrest.
Protest of a Generation
Chanting “Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media,” demonstrators, largely from Generation Z, waved Nepal’s national flag and vowed to continue resisting the restrictions.
Rights groups condemned the crackdown, calling it a violation of freedom of expression and fundamental rights.
Nepal has a history of online restrictions: in 2018 it banned pornographic sites, and in 2023 briefly banned TikTok for “disrupting social harmony.” TikTok’s executives later struck a deal to comply with local rules, leading to the platform’s reinstatement.
