Violent protests erupted outside Nepal’s parliament on Monday after anti-corruption demonstrators stormed the building, setting it on fire and smashing windows. The unrest was sparked by the government’s controversial decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, under the guise of combating “fake news.”
Young Nepali protesters saw the move as an attack on free speech and authoritarian censorship, but it was the viral “Nepo Kids” campaign, exposing the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children amid widespread poverty, that pushed the public to the brink.
Despite police using rubber bullets and water cannons to disperse crowds, the protests intensified, with at least 19 protesters reported dead. The government was forced to backtrack, lifting the social media ban and seeing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resign.
Prime Minister Oli expressed sadness over the violence, but protesters continued chanting “Enough is enough,” demanding further action against corruption. The unrest signals growing dissatisfaction with Nepal’s political elite and a call for accountability.
