UPDATE - 14 killed in Nepal after clashes over social media ban

Authorities impose curfew in capital Kathmandu after deadly clashes

UPDATES WITH CASUALTY DETAILS; REVISES HEADLINE, LEDE, DECK

By Anadolu staff

At least 14 people were killed and dozens were injured in deadly clashes between protesters and police on Monday after the former stormed parliament to protest alleged corruption and the government's decision to shut down social media, local media reported.

Seven protesters brought to the National Trauma Centre died, while another 10 were in critical condition with gunshot wounds to the head and chest, local English daily Kathmandu Post quoted hospital official Dr. Dipendra Pandey as saying.

More than 20 others were receiving treatment.

Three protesters died at Everest Hospital, where more than 50 others are receiving treatment, with four in critical condition.

Another four were brought dead to different hospitals as the identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed.

Authorities imposed a curfew in the capital Kathmandu in the wake of the deadly protests.

The "Generation Z" protesters broke through police barricades. They climbed over parliament gates as security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, who had pledged earlier to remain peaceful, according to multiple news reports, and photos and footage shared online.

Protesters have been demonstrating in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, and other cities against alleged corruption and the ban on social media.

Last week, Nepal moved to block major social media platforms after they failed to register with the government.

The Communication and Information Technology Ministry issued the ban after giving the companies seven days from Aug. 28 to register with the government.

The platforms blocked include US company Meta-owned Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp along with YouTube, US social media company X, Reddit, and LinkedIn.

It said blocks would be lifted once the companies registered with the authorities.

Nepal's main opposition party had criticized the decision.

*Writing by Aamir Latif

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