The United Nations demanded a swift and transparent investigation on Monday after a rights group accused police in Nepal of firing on people protesting against a social media ban, killing at least 17.
“We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation,” UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.
Thousands of young Nepalis took to the streets of Kathmandu to register their anger at a ban on social media.
Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and batons when the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire and tried to enter a restricted area near parliament.
A police spokesman told AFP that 17 people had died.
Amnesty International and a protester said they were fired on with live ammunition.
Shamdasani said her office had received “several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces” during the protests.
“We call on the authorities to respect and ensure the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” she said, insisting that “all security forces must comply with the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials”.
Monday’s demonstration erupted after several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube and X — became inaccessible last Friday, following a move by the government to block 26 unregistered platforms.
“Nepal enjoys a lively democracy and active civic space, and dialogue is the best means to address young people’s concerns,” Shamdasani said.
“We urge reconsideration of measures to regulate social media to ensure they comply with Nepal’s human rights obligations.”
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