Youth Uprising Against Corruption and Filtering in Nepal; PM Resigned

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Nepal, with a population of over 30 million, is currently grappling with unprecedented unrest that has led to the death of at least 19 people and injuries to hundreds. The Gen Z protests, formed in response to social media filtering, widespread corruption, and economic problems, have become the most severe turmoil in recent decades. Since the change from monarchy in 2008, Nepal has experienced over twelve different governments and is plagued by severe instability.

Reasons for the Protests

Public anger over institutionalized corruption within Nepal's political structure has been like a fire under ashes for years. Last week, the dissatisfaction of Nepalese youth peaked following the government's decision to filter social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X. The Nepalese government claims these restrictions are necessary to combat the spread of fake news and hate speech, threatening to filter any platform that does not have an official representative in Nepal.

By midnight Thursday, 26 social networks had become inaccessible to users. This move has been met with sharp criticism from human rights organizations, which have called it a clear attempt to suppress freedom of expression and restrict the digital space. However, the leaders of this protest movement emphasize that the reason for the street protests goes beyond the ban on social media.

According to World Bank reports, the unemployment rate for Nepalese youth aged 15 to 24 in 2024 was 20.8%, and the lack of job opportunities has exacerbated the younger generation. In the midst of this, the display of ostentatious lifestyles by "Nepo kids" on social media has added fuel to the fire of the youth's anger.

One protester stated in an interview with a Reuters reporter: "All Nepalese citizens are tired of corruption, and the youth are forced to leave the country. We want to protect the younger generation and improve the country's economy."

Violence in the Streets

On Monday, protests in Kathmandu turned violent. Thousands of protesters, many wearing student and school uniforms, gathered near the parliament. Police used plastic bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to suppress the protesters. Protesters responded by setting an ambulance on fire and throwing objects at the anti-riot forces.

According to officials from Nepal's Ministry of Health, 17 people died in Kathmandu and 2 in the eastern city of Itahari. Nepal's Ministry of Health reported that over 400 people, including security forces, were injured and hospitalized during these clashes.

International Reactions

International organizations swiftly condemned the deadly suppression of protesters. The UN Human Rights Office expressed shock and concern over the deaths of protesters and called for a transparent and independent investigation. The office stated it had received numerous reports about the unnecessary use of force by security forces. Amnesty International, in a statement, called the use of coercive force against ordinary people a clear violation of international law and called on the Nepalese government to take responsibility for these actions.

On Monday, following the violent actions of the government's repressive forces, Nepal's Home Minister, Ramesh Lekhak, resigned from his position. This resignation was a sign of increasing pressure on the government. In an attempt to reduce tensions, the government also lifted the ban on social media.

Nepal's Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, stated in an announcement that his government does not have a confrontational or negative approach to the demands of the younger generation and deeply regrets the events of Monday. In a statement, he cited the influence of various groups as a factor exacerbating the violence, but did not provide further explanation about these groups.

However, this stance failed to quell public anger in Nepalese society. On Tuesday, Nepal's largest newspaper explicitly called for the Prime Minister's resignation in an editorial, emphasizing that he cannot remain in his position after this bloodshed. The newspaper argued that the responsibility for this disaster lies directly with the Prime Minister and that his remaining in the post of Prime Minister further undermines public trust.  He resigned an hour later after protesters stormed his home.

The current protests reflect a deep crisis in Nepal’s political and economic system that has led people to rise against the problems. Protesters are demanding an end to corruption, job creation, and a reduction in social inequalities.