Nepal reflects the ban on social media with the transformation of fatal protests

Nepal made a dramatic turning point, as it is reversed Banning social media It was imposed last week after the decision sparked the “Gen Z” protests at the country level, which was reported to have left at least 19 people.

The ban, which prevented access to 26 platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X, was imposed, after directing August 25, which requires foreign social media companies to register their operations in Nepal and appoint a local contact within seven days. When most platforms failed to comply by the deadline, the government reduced arrival last week.

Late Monday, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Nepal Breithvi Soba Gurong told correspondents that the government had canceled social media ban in response to public anger.

A reflection on Monday came a few hours after thousands of people, as many students were immersed in the school uniform, the streets via Nepal, demanding an end to the immersion on social media. The youth -led protests escalated into violent clashes with the security forces in several areas, which led to At least 19 demonstrators died He left more than 100 people, according to local media reports.

“The protests have turned into violence due to infiltration by some elements, but the government has never opposed the demands of the new generation,” Prime Minister Nepal Cashhen Sharma Oli said in a statement late on Monday.

International organizations, including United Nations And human rights groups are like Amnesty InternationalEarlier raised concerns about the ban and the government’s response to the public uproar.

“We call on the authorities to respect and guarantee the rights of the peace assembly and freedom of expression,” the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights He said In a statement on Monday.

The deadly incidents arose from the social media ban imposed last week by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Nepal, which prevented reaching 26 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X. This step followed a directive on August 25, which requires foreign social media companies to register their operations in Nepal and set a local communication within seven days.

Some platforms, such as Tiktok and the group -owned Rakuten, were not affected by the ban, as the government stated that it had already complied to direct and record it locally.

Social media restrictions are part of a wider government effort to regulate digital platforms. Earlier this year, the Nepal government faced widespread anger over the proposed social media bill, which is still awaiting approval. The legislation includes sentences for imprisonment and fines for jobs “that are against national sovereignty or benefit.” The International Federation of Journalists said that the proposal “threatens to undermine freedom of the press and digital expression.”