Nepal: Security forces brutal crackdown on protests and digital repression

Front Line Defenders strongly condemns the unlawful force used against protesters by the Nepal police and security forces which has resulted in the deaths of at least 19 persons. On 8 September 2025, Nepal security forces responded with disproportionate force including live bullets, tear gas and water cannons against protesters demanding an end to systemic corruption, suppression of dissent and most recently the blanket ban on social media platforms which took effect on 4 September 2025.

Since 8 September 2025, mass protests have taken place in different locations, including the capital city of Kathmandu, against a lack of accountability in governance for ongoing systemic corruption, nepotism, rising unemployment, and the most recent attempt at digital repression – a blanket ban on social media platforms which came into effect on 4 September 2025. The ban is viewed as a pattern of state repression against dissent and an attempt to suppress methods of youth and dissenting voices communicating and mobilising for change using digital platforms. While access to social media has been restored as of 9 September, it comes at a huge cost to human life and has caused further breakdown of public trust in the government.

On 8 September 2025, police and security forces used tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition against the protesters, many of whom were youth. At least 19 persons have been killed and over one hundred injured. The lack of secure communications and access to information worsened risks to protesters, human rights defenders and journalists. Protests continued on 9 September, with persistent threats to the safety of human rights defenders, journalists and protesters.

Front Line Defenders is gravely concerned about the excessive use of force which resulted in the killing of 19 protesters. The organisation echoes the calls from national human rights groups for a thorough, impartial and effective investigation into the violence committed by security forces. The authorities in Nepal must end the ongoing repression of dissent and permanently roll back attempts to quash online dissent through blanket bans and spurious laws.