Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly Protests Leave 19 Dead

Nepal lifted its social media ban on Tuesday, a day after at least 19 people were killed in youth-led demonstrations demanding the government end the restrictions and address corruption.

An AFP correspondent in Kathmandu confirmed that major platforms were back online as authorities also announced an investigation into the violent clashes, which marked one of the deadliest crackdowns on protesters in years.

“The social media platforms have been opened, which was among the Gen Z’s demands,” Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung told AFP, adding that the government was willing to engage in dialogue with the protesters.

Despite a curfew in several cities, demonstrators continued to rally, targeting government buildings and politicians’ properties. Others burned tyres and chanted slogans, demanding accountability for the deaths.

“Nearly 20 people were murdered by the state — that shows the scale of police brutality,” said 23-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari, who joined Monday’s protests. “The government has to take responsibility for the lives that were lost.”

The ban, introduced on Friday, had blocked 26 unregistered platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X, sparking outrage among young Nepalis who rely heavily on them for communication.

Rights groups condemned the crackdown, with Amnesty International reporting that live ammunition was used on protesters, while the United Nations called for a prompt and transparent investigation.

At Civil Hospital, where dozens of the 400 injured were treated, staff described harrowing scenes. “Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work,” said information officer Ranjana Nepal.