“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” — this Voltairean principle, a symbol of the struggle for freedom of speech, has become relevant again in recent days due to tragic events in Nepal.
Young people in Nepal have launched widespread protests against the government’s decision to block 26 social media platforms and messaging apps, as well as against rampant corruption and nepotism within the political elite. Authorities responded with unjustified brutality, deploying water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition. The clashes in the capital and across the regions have reportedly left 20 people dead and approximately 500 injured, with dozens in critical condition. These demonstrations have been dubbed the “Generation Z Protests” due to the overwhelming participation of young people.
Causes of the Protests in Nepal
The unrest began on September 5, when the Nepali government announced a ban on popular platforms, including YouTube and Facebook. Minister of Communications Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that the ban was implemented because these companies refused to officially register in the country. Concurrently, a bill was introduced imposing liability on operators and users for published content.
Bloody Clashes: How Events Unfolded
☛ The bill was scheduled for consideration on September 8. Thousands of people, primarily young individuals, converged on the parliament building to voice their protest and pressure lawmakers. Protesters managed to breach barricades and surround the parliament building. In response, police opened fire. Local media described the events outside parliament as a “bloody crackdown.”
The events at the parliament shocked Nepal. The public demanded the government’s immediate resignation and accountability for those who ordered the shooting of protesters. The situation quickly spiraled out of control. Riots erupted in Kathmandu and across the country: politicians’ homes and the parliament building were set ablaze, demonstrators blocked traffic on the East-West Highway by burning tires, Tribhuvan International Airport in the capital was closed, and several government ministers had to be evacuated to safety by the military. A curfew was imposed nationwide at 3:30 PM local time, with military and police forces occupying key roads and squares.
Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli’s statements about the government’s readiness for dialogue only further fueled public anger, as these words were perceived as a mockery in the wake of the bloodshed.
☛ On the evening of September 8, Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned.
☛ Protests continued on September 9. The public demanded answers and accountability for those responsible for the deaths and injuries of protesters.
☛ Also on September 9, Prime Minister Oli announced his resignation. Prior to this, he had promised to form an investigative commission to report on the shootings within 15 days. He added that compensation would be paid to the families of the deceased, and the injured would receive free medical treatment.
☛ Later on September 9, India Today reported that Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel had resigned. However, the President’s press service soon refuted this report.
☛ Also on September 9, Khabarhub and social media outlets reported that protesters ransacked the parliament building, the Supreme Court, the Attorney General’s office, and the Hilton hotel. They also attacked former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, as well as Finance Minister Prasad Paudel. Additionally, the home of 75-year-old former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal was set on fire while his wife, Rajya Laxmi Chitrakar, was inside. She sustained severe burns and was hospitalized, but it was later confirmed that she succumbed to her injuries.
