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Protesters in Nepal surround parliament and clash with police as government blocks social media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 15:56 GMT by Associated Press
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Protesters Surround Nepal’s Parliament in Violent Clash as Government Blocks Social Media

Kathmandu, Nepal – A massive crowd of protesters descended upon the Parliament House in the capital on Tuesday, demanding the restoration of social‑media freedom and an end to a controversial internet‑blocking law. Police forces, armed with batons and tear‑gas canisters, met the demonstrators head‑on, resulting in a clash that left several injured and several arrests made.

The protest, which drew an estimated 20,000–30,000 people from across the country, was sparked by a sudden decision by the ruling coalition to block major social‑media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The ban, enacted under the “National Cyber‑Security Bill” that was recently amended to give the government sweeping powers to block any online content deemed “harmful” or “dangerous,” has been criticized by civil‑society groups, opposition parties, and international observers as an authoritarian overreach.

The Roots of the Outcry

The new amendments, approved in a parliamentary vote last month, expanded the authority of the Ministry of Information and Communications to order the shutdown of “any website or online platform” without a court order, citing “national security” and the need to curb the spread of misinformation. Critics argue that the broad language of the law leaves room for abuse, allowing the state to silence dissent under the guise of maintaining public order.

Opposition leader, Purna Bahadur Thapa of the Nepali Congress, condemned the ban in a televised address: “This is not a measure of security; it is a political ploy to silence our citizens. We will not accept a law that allows the government to shut our voices down.” The ban came at a time of heightened political tensions following the 2022 general election, which saw allegations of vote‑rigging and a disputed transfer of power to the ruling Nepal Communist Party.

The Protest in Kathmandu

The demonstrators gathered at the foot of the Parliament building, chanting slogans such as “Freedom of Expression” and “Restore our Rights.” Armed with homemade barricades, signs, and some with face paint depicting the Nepali flag, the protesters attempted to surround the Parliament to prevent the passage of the new bill and to demand its repeal.

According to eyewitness reports, the police arrived in riot gear and attempted to keep the protesters at bay. A scuffle ensued when a group of demonstrators tried to breach the front gate. Police responded with tear‑gas canisters and, in some instances, water cannons. Two police officers were injured by rocks thrown from the crowd, while four protesters sustained cuts and bruises after being struck by batons. The police, however, said that the clash was brief and that they had contained the situation within the hour.

The protests were not limited to the capital. In Pokhara, another major city, activists staged a sit‑in outside the local government office. A smaller demonstration took place in Biratnagar, where a group of teachers and students gathered outside the Regional Education Office to demand a rollback of the internet restrictions. In all, the nationwide protests were coordinated through social media before the block took effect, with local organizers using messaging apps and encrypted communication channels to circumvent the ban.

Government’s Response

In a statement released after the clashes, the Ministry of Information and Communications defended the ban, stating that “the state must protect its citizens from harmful content that could destabilize society.” They further claimed that the law was designed to counter threats such as terrorism propaganda, cyber‑bullying, and fake news that could influence public opinion and elections.

Despite the ministry’s assurances, the opposition has called for the immediate repeal of the law. They have also demanded an independent investigation into the police's use of force. Several lawmakers from the opposition coalition have filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court, arguing that the law violates the right to freedom of expression guaranteed under Nepal’s constitution.

International Reactions

The United Nations Human Rights Office in Kathmandu has issued a statement expressing concern over the ban, noting that “any restriction on freedom of expression should be necessary, proportionate, and subject to strict oversight.” In a separate briefing, the United States Embassy in Kathmandu called for the “prompt restoration of access to online platforms” and urged the Nepalese government to “ensure that internet restrictions are not used as a tool for political suppression.”

Looking Ahead

The protests are likely to continue as the government faces mounting pressure from both domestic and international actors. The opposition’s next step appears to be a push for a constitutional amendment that would restrict the government’s ability to block online content without judicial oversight.

For now, the streets of Kathmandu remain tense, with protestors, police, and ordinary citizens alike watching to see whether Nepal’s democratic institutions can withstand the challenge of balancing national security concerns with the fundamental right to free expression.