At least 13 dead after protests against Nepal social media ban

Original article date: September 8, 2025

Nepal banned social media and the internet on Sunday evening as protests intensified against Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's recent decision to abruptly disband the House of Representatives and push for fresh national elections. The move came after Prime Minister Dahal's cabinet attempted to ease growing tensions by repealing the proclamation and promising to form a consensus government.

The government's move to restrict communications came as protesters angered by the decision to dissolve the parliament took to the streets in Katmandu. According to eyewitnesses speaking under condition of anonymity, police responded with live ammunition and rubber bullets, killing at least 13 protesters and injuring many more. It remains unclear how many people have been detained.

The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) denounced the ban, calling it "a direct attack on the people's right to express themselves." The party further called for the government's immediate resignation.

More details to come as this story develops.