Nepal Protests Kill 19 Over Corruption, Social Media Ban

Nepal experienced its deadliest protests in nearly two decades as youth-led demonstrations erupted against the government's ban on 26 major social media platforms and rampant corruption, resulting in at least 19 deaths including a child. The Gen Z protesters, deeply connected to digital platforms for education, work, and activism, viewed the ban as a direct attack on their voices and freedoms. Protests began peacefully but escalated into violent clashes as demonstrators stormed parliament barriers and security forces responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. The unrest spread beyond Kathmandu to other cities, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with governance and digital censorship. Hospitals reported shortages of resources amid the influx of injured, while a Home Minister resigned in the wake of the crisis. International voices have called for restraint and dialogue to prevent further loss of life and to address the underlying political and social grievances.