At least one person was killed and dozens were injured after police in Nepal used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters attempting to enter parliament on Monday, state-run Nepal Television reported.
The demonstrations were triggered by the government’s decision to block access to several social media platforms, including Facebook, after they failed to register with authorities. Officials said the restrictions were part of a crackdown on misuse, alleging that fake accounts had been used to spread hate speech, misinformation, fraud and other crimes.
Thousands of young protesters gathered near the parliament and tried to break through a police barricade. Authorities then imposed a curfew around the parliament complex, which was later extended to Kathmandu’s Singha Durbar area that houses the prime minister’s office, other ministries, the prime minister’s residence and the president’s house.
State television reported one death and more than 50 injuries, though local media claimed at least six fatalities. There was no official confirmation of the figures, and Reuters said it could not independently verify them.
Witnesses said several injured protesters were taken to the hospital. An ambulance was set on fire during the clashes, and a group of demonstrators reportedly stopped a security vehicle headed towards parliament.
Ekram Giri, spokesperson for Nepal’s parliament, said some protesters managed to enter the parliament premises but were driven out by police before reaching the main building. They later gathered again on the road outside.
Muktiram Rijal, spokesperson for the Kathmandu district office, told Reuters that a curfew had been imposed until 10 p.m. local time to bring the situation under control after protesters began turning violent. He said police had orders to use water cannons, batons and rubber bullets if required.
The protests mark one of the most serious public demonstrations in Nepal in recent years, as tensions grow over both the social media restrictions and allegations of government corruption.
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