By Samantha M
On Monday, September 8, 2025, protesters took to the streets of Nepal to demonstrate against a recent social media ban and other government grievances. The protest began in Kathmandu and quickly spread, with thousands of demonstrators taking a stand.
The Nepalese government had imposed a social media ban that included Facebook, X, YouTube, and 23 other sites. Many young citizens viewed this as a clear attempt at government censorship, which fueled the outrage of protesters from Gen Z and other generations.
In addition to the social media ban, many young Gen Z protesters are upset with Nepal’s government officials, a number of whom have been appointed through nepotism. While many of these officials and their families possess extreme wealth, a significant portion of Nepal’s citizens struggle financially. The unemployment rate is 20%, leaving many without work. Furthermore, many government officials have been accused of corruption, yet their cases are not taken to trial.
On Monday, protesters gathered outside the parliament building. The demonstration escalated, leading to the parliament building and several officials’ residences being set on fire. This display of public anger prompted Prime Minister KP Oli to resign the following day, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Police attempted to contain the protests that began on Monday, but the sheer size of the crowds proved to be a struggle. Some protesters managed to breach the barricades and enter the parliament grounds. This led to the tragic deaths of 19 protesters. Although police were permitted to use batons, water cannons, and rubber bullets, the killing of the protesters enraged many citizens, who became more frustrated and angry over the government’s instructions to the police.
As of today, Friday, September 12, 2025, the social media ban has been lifted. An interim prime minister, Chief Justice Sushila Karki, has been appointed. Since the beginning of the protest on Monday, there have been a total of 51 deaths. Protests are still ongoing, and the future of Nepal’s government will most likely lead to further change. Negotiations between protesters, police, and the government for new reforms continue.