Nepal’s government has revoked its ban on social media platforms, a day after security forces opened fire on anti-corruption demonstrations, leaving 19 people dead. The decision came as anger mounted over censorship and governance failures in the Himalayan nation.
The United Nations Human Rights Office condemned the killings, with spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani calling the reports of excessive force “deeply troubling” and pressing for a swift, transparent investigation.
The unrest has shaken Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli’s administration. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stepped down during an emergency cabinet session on Monday night, while authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities. Schools were also ordered shut. Despite the restrictions, scattered protests flared again on Tuesday.
Although the government had cited non-compliance with registration rules when it blocked more than 20 platforms—including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube—demonstrators insist their movement is rooted in frustration with entrenched corruption and Nepal’s fragile political order.
In a televised address, Oli announced the formation of an inquiry committee, promising compensation for victims’ families and free medical care for the injured. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, urged the government to immediately de-escalate tensions and ensure that policing respects fundamental freedoms.
