Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned after violent protests erupted over a government ban on social media sites, resulting in at least 19 deaths and 145 injuries.
Violent Protests Over Social Media Ban
Protests broke out in the capital city of Nepal against the ban on social media platforms and corruption. Demonstrators clashed with police who used tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. According to reports, at least 19 people were killed and 145 others injured, many shot in the chest or head.
UN Rights Office Condemns Actions
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the actions of the authorities and called for a transparent investigation into the events.
PM’s Resignation and Continued Protests
Despite the imposition of a police curfew near the parliament and presidential palace, citizens did not comply. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, stating he had “resigned immediately in the face of an unfavorable situation to ease the problem and help resolve it politically, as per the constitution.”
As word of the resignation spread, crowds stormed government buildings. Part of the parliamentary building was set on fire, with media reporting smoke rising from part of the government complex. One protester wrote “we won” in large orange letters on a tan building wall, while another beside him made a “V” sign.
