Violent Protests in Kathmandu Leave 10 Dead Over Social Media Ban

At least 10 people have been killed and over 80 injured in Kathmandu, Nepal, during violent protests against a government ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The unrest erupted on Monday, September 8, 2025, as demonstrators clashed with police in the capital city.

The protests were sparked by the government"s decision to restrict access to popular social media sites, which officials claim were being used to spread misinformation and incite violence. Eyewitnesses reported that thousands of people took to the streets, demanding the immediate reversal of the ban. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, escalating the situation into chaos.

This incident marks a significant moment in Nepal’s ongoing struggle with digital rights and freedom of expression. The government’s previous attempts to regulate online platforms had already raised alarm among activists and human rights organizations, who argue that such measures infringe on citizens" rights to free speech. As previously reported, similar situations have arisen in other countries where governments have sought to control online discourse.

The impact of these protests could lead to further crackdowns on civil liberties in Nepal. As tensions remain high, opposition leaders are calling for an emergency session of parliament to discuss the ban. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging the Nepalese government to respect citizens" rights to free expression and assembly.