AT least 14 people are dead as mass demonstrations in Nepal against a major social media ban led to clashes between protesters and cops.
Thousands of “Gen Z” Nepalis have taken to the streets to protest their government’s decision to block 26 sites including Facebook, X and YouTube.
GettyPolice intervene as Nepalese youth stage an anti-government protest in Kathmandu[/caption]
EPAThe government shut down 26 platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp[/caption]
EPAProtests against a government social media ban have turned violent in Nepal[/caption]
EPAPolice take cover during clashes with protesters in front of the parliament building[/caption]
Demonstrators gathered near the parliament building in Kathmandu to state their opposition to the ban.
Crowds carrying Nepal’s national flag chanted: “Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media.”
But the protests have escalated into deadly clashes with police, with more than a dozen reported dead so far.
Cops are reported to have shot at demonstrators who attempted to storm the parliament building.
Nepal’s Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba told the BBC that police have used water cannons, batons and rubber bullets during the unrest.
The demonstrations have been dubbed a protest for Gen Z, as many younger Nepalis have come out to take a stand.
Authorities have resorted to imposing a curfew over parts of the city in a bid to stem the violence.
More than two dozen social media platforms have been blocked by the government for not complying with a registration deadline.
Officials argue that regulation is needed to prevent the spread of fake news and internet fraud.
But critics have blasted the measure censorship and an attack of freedom of expression.
EPAAuthorities have resorted to imposing a curfew over parts of the city[/caption]
EPAProtesters clash with police in front of the parliament building[/caption]
AFPThe demonstrations have been dubbed a protest for Gen Z[/caption]
APProtesters surround an armored vehicle of a police during clashes[/caption]
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