Unrest: 19 deaths in street protests against government in Nepal

In Nepal, at least 19 people were killed in protests against the blocking of numerous social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. In the capital Kathmandu alone, more than 17 dead were reported, said police spokesman Binod Ghimire. 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.

Blockade of 26 platforms

In other parts of the country, the government’s decision also triggered protests in the past week to block 26 online networks. In the city of Itahari in the east of the country, two people died of collapse. Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who was under pressure because of the police procedure, submitted his resignation at a cabinet meeting in the evening (local time).

In Kathmandu, thousands of demonstrators had tried to storm the parliament building. The police wanted to prevent them from penetrating the building, reported “The Kathmandu Post”. Some injuries were in a critical condition, they showed gunshot wounds on the head or chest.

The protests were primarily against the controversial decision against the platforms. Nepal’s government accused this not to register properly. The Supreme Court had instructed in August that the online services concerned would have to be made under state supervision in order to be able to combat false information via the network, among other things.

Stronger control instead of regulation?

However, the current procedure had caused strong criticism. The government is accused of expanding control over the platforms instead of just regulating them. According to reports, the protests were cited primarily by younger people – the currently around 18 to 30 year olds. They also denounced increasing corruption in the state.