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Civil unrest in Nepal resulting from social media censorship leads to numerous fatalities

Protests erupting outside Nepal's Parliament, marked by water cannons, tear gas, and gunfire. The turmoil stems from the proposed ban on numerous social media platforms. The government is insisting that these digital platforms establish a local office within the nation to monitor their operations.

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Violent demonstrations in Nepal over social media restrictions lead to several deaths.
Violent demonstrations in Nepal over social media restrictions lead to several deaths.

Civil unrest in Nepal resulting from social media censorship leads to numerous fatalities

In the heart of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, thousands of protesters, primarily from the Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2010, have taken to the streets. The cause of their protest? A series of government actions that have sparked controversy and concern.

Last year, the Nepalese government lifted its ban on TikTok, a popular video-sharing app, after the company agreed to follow local laws, including blocking pornographic sites. However, the government's actions in 2023 have been a different story. In a move that has been criticised as a form of censorship, the government banned TikTok, citing disruption of social harmony and goodwill as the reason.

This ban was just one of several restrictions imposed by the government on social media platforms. In recent weeks, Nepal has blocked several sites, including Facebook and YouTube, leading to widespread protests. The government has also required foreign social media companies to register and establish a local presence within seven days. Many platforms have failed to comply with this demand, leading to their blockage since last week.

The area surrounding Nepal's Parliament has become a battlefield, with clashes between protesters and police occurring regularly. Reports suggest that water cannons, tear gas, and multiple gunshots have been used during these clashes. Tragically, at least 16 people have died in these protests, with at least five of the victims succumbing to gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

The government's actions are not only seen as a tool to punish government opponents who broadcast protests online but also as a means to control the flow of information. This has led to concerns about freedom of speech and the right to information in Nepal.

The Nepalese government's actions have not gone unnoticed. Thousands of protesters have surrounded Parliament, demanding change and the restoration of their digital rights. The protesters managed to overcome barbed wire and surround the Assembly in Nepal, demonstrating their determination to be heard.

As the situation in Nepal continues to evolve, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

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