19 dead in Nepal Gen Z corruption protests after violent incidents in Kathmandu and other cities. The protests began when young protesters protested political corruption and a sudden ban on social media sites. The police violently responded to the protests, injuring many.
19 Dead in Nepal Gen Z Corruption Protests: What Happened
Thousands of protesters, primarily Gen Z, protested near parliament in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. They protested the government order blocking access to media websites, including Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram. Protesters accused government leaders of political corruption and not keeping their promises.
Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, wooden clubs, and rubber bullets. Seventeen people were killed just in Kathmandu. Tear gas also spread in the easy of hospitals, impeding the potential of treating the injured.
Social Media Ban and Anger Over Corruption
The government announced social media outlets needed to register with Nepali law. Officials have said the ban was a response to fake news, hate speech, and scams, but young protesters argue that it is censorship.
Posters read: “end to corruption” and “enough is enough.” Demonstrators stressed that the real issue is corruption, not the ban. Many stated that the ban meant they were not to be heard. Their frustration fueled into the 19 dead in Nepal Gen Z corruption protests, showing how deep the level of trust has collapsed in government.
Political Fallout
Following the violence, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned stating he accepts moral responsibility for the deaths. The home minister made several wrong decisions that resulted in an increasing level of violence. The government has also put a curfew around parliament and mobilized the army.
Two more lives were lost in the eastern city of Itahari during protests when the curfew was implemented. The United Nations called for an investigation, highlighting the excessive use of force. This crisis applies added pressure to a government grappling with economic hardship.
Conclusion
The 19 dead in Nepal Gen Z corruption protests represent a tipping point for the country. What began as anger over a social media ban demonstrated larger dissatisfaction with corruption and governance. Nepal now faces another round of instability and is under pressure from the global community for change.
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