Nepal Withdraws Social Media Ban Amid Deadly ‘Gen Z’ Protests; Amnesty Demands Independent Probe

Kathmandu, September 9, 2025 —The Government of Nepal on Monday announced the withdrawal of its decision to ban 26 social media platforms following violent clashes between youth-led protesters and security forces that left at least 20 people dead and more than 300 injured across the country.

The protests, which began online, escalated into mass demonstrations outside Parliament in Kathmandu and several other cities, targeting not only the social media ban but also corruption allegations against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government. Police opened fire on demonstrators after they breached barricades, leading to heavy casualties.

Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung said the withdrawal was decided in an emergency Cabinet meeting. The Ministry of Information instructed agencies to restore access to all 26 blocked platforms, including Facebook and X, which had been banned three days earlier for failing to register with Nepalese authorities. Gurung appealed to protesters to end their agitation following the government’s reversal.

Despite the decision, thousands of protesters — many school and college students — flooded the streets in what is being dubbed the “Gen Z Revolution.” Protesters carried national flags and placards reading “Shut down corruption, not social media” and “Youths against corruption.” Clashes escalated further, prompting the government to impose curfews in Kathmandu, Bhairahawa border areas near India, and dozens of other cities.

In a dramatic development, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, citing moral responsibility for the bloodshed.

Amnesty International Nepal condemned the crackdown, demanding an immediate independent investigation. “Amnesty International strongly condemns the unlawful use of lethal and less-lethal force by law enforcement in Nepal,” said Director Nirajan Thapaliya. “The authorities must exercise maximum restraint, investigate the deaths, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure reparations for victims.”

The rights group stressed that protesters have the right to demonstrate peacefully under both Nepal’s Constitution and international law. It urged the government to listen to the legitimate demands of youth and adopt a rights-respecting approach instead of resorting to violence.