Now Reading: Nepal protests: GenZs revolt against social media ban turns deadly – 10 things to know | World News
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Nepal protests: GenZs revolt against social media ban turns deadly – 10 things to know | World News
Nepal protests: GenZs revolt against social media ban turns deadly – 10 things to know | World News
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GenZs revolt against social media ban turns deadly (Pic credit score: AP)
Thousands of younger Nepalis thronged the streets of Kathmandu on Monday, protesting against the federal government’s transfer to block 26 common social media platforms. The demonstrations, marked by violent clashes, left 14 protesters useless and a number of other injured, over rising public anger over the censorship of distinguished social media platforms.
Here are the highest 10 developments:
- The authorities blocked 26 unregistered social media platforms, together with Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X (previously Twitter) on final Thursday midnight after authorities cited the businesses’ failure to adjust to a brand new legislation regulating social media.
- The cupboard assembly chaired by Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, gave firms seven days to adjust to necessities: register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint a grievance-dealing with officer, designate a compliance officer, and arrange a degree of contact in Nepal.
- Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the transfer, saying he wouldn’t tolerate the “nation being undermined.” “The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty?” he mentioned on Sunday.
- Among the blocked social media websites are Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, VK, Line, IMO, Zalo, Soul, and Hamro Patro, the Kathmandu Post reported.
- TikTok, Viber and three different platforms which have complied with registration necessities proceed to function with out interruption.
- Rights teams and activists have slammed the laws as a device to silence dissent, arguing it undermines freedom of expression and violates basic rights.
- Authorities imposed a curfew round Parliament, the federal government secretariat, and the presidential home, declaring key areas of Kathmandu off-limits to stop additional escalation.
- Demonstrators, largely by Generation Z and younger professionals, denounced the blackout as a “direct assault on speech, work and connectivity.” They harassed that small companies, information dissemination, and on a regular basis communication have been severely disrupted.
- Rallies started round 9 am, with hundreds waving nationwide flags, singing the nationwide anthem, and chanting slogans against corruption and censorship in central Kathmandu.
- Protesters breached barricades and compelled riot police to retreat close to Parliament. Security forces responded with water cannons and tear gasoline however had been finally cornered contained in the advanced.
- Police opened hearth in New Baneshwar, killing one protester and injuring a number of others. The sufferer died whereas present process remedy at Civil Hospital, officers confirmed. Dozens of injured demonstrators are receiving care in Civil Hospital, Everest Hospital, and close by amenities. Activist teams, together with Hami Nepal, have arrange first-support camps at protest hotspots.
In November 2023, Nepal banned the video-sharing platform TikTok, citing its function in disturbing “social harmony, goodwill and spreading indecent content.” The restriction was lifted the next 12 months after TikTok assured authorities it could adjust to native laws.Also learn | Facebook, YouTube, X banned in Nepal: GenZs take over Kathmandu streets – Watch
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