Nepal wants to block social media: 16 people die in protests

In the case of protests against the blocking of numerous social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, there were at least 16 deaths in Nepal. The number of deaths results from reports of various hospitals in the capital Kathmandu, said the senior official of the Kathmandu Valley police station. More than 100 people, including police officers, were injured. The newspaper “The Kathmandu Post” and other local media reported that the police had used water cannons, tear gas and sharp ammunition against demonstrators.

According to the reports, the clashes were said that thousands of demonstrators had tried to storm the parliament building in the capital. The police wanted to prevent them from doing so. Some of the injured were in a critical condition, they showed gunshot wounds on the head or chest, reported “The Kathmandu Post”.

The protests were primarily against the decision of the Himalaya state last week to block 26 social media platforms. They are accused of not being registered properly. The procedure had caused severe criticism in the country. According to reports, the protests were primarily cited by younger people. They also denounced increasing corruption in the state.

The government in Nepal had already blocked popular online networks in the past. In July she blocked access to the Telegram online service. She justified the step with the alleged increase in online fraud and money laundering. In August last year, a nine -month blockade from Tiktok was lifted after the platform had agreed to comply with the regulations in Nepal.