A nation in turmoil: Death toll from Nepal's anti-corruption protests rises to 72

By zoeysky // 2025-09-17

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Anti-corruption protests in Nepal have resulted in at least 72 deaths and over 1,300 injuries following violent clashes.
The government's attempt to ban social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to stifle dissent instead ignited the widespread demonstrations.
The decentralized "Gen Z" protests, organized online, target systemic corruption and the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children ("NepoKids") contrasted with public hardship.
Security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets, while some protesters responded by setting fire to government buildings and politicians' homes.
New interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has promised compensation, new elections within six months and a commitment to addressing the protesters' demands for accountability and equality.

In a tragic escalation of unrest, the death toll from Nepal's anti-corruption protests has surged to 72, according to the latest figures released by the Health Ministry. The Himalayan nation, known for its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is now grappling with the aftermath of widespread violence and destruction, as young protesters vent their fury over systemic corruption and economic disparity.

The protest catalyst: A social media ban backfires

The protests, which began last week, were initially triggered by the Nepalese government's abrupt decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including popular services like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The ban, which was imposed after these platforms failed to comply with a registration deadline set by Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, was seen by many as an attempt to stifle growing anti-corruption sentiment. (Related: Nepal's failed censorship attempt ignites revolution as people refuse to be silenced.) Critics argued that the ban was a blatant attempt to silence dissent and curb freedom of speech. The government's heavy-handed approach backfired, further fueling the anger of the protesters. The ban was eventually lifted, but by then, the protests had gained unstoppable momentum. The demonstrations, largely led by Nepal's youth, have been unlike any the country has seen before. Dubbed the "Gen Z movement," the protests have been characterized by their decentralized nature, with no single leader or organization at the helm. Instead, a multitude of youth collectives have emerged, using social media to mobilize and coordinate actions. Students from universities and colleges across major cities like Itahari, Kathmandu and Pokhara, have been at the forefront, marching in uniform with books in hand. Even schoolchildren have joined the protests, their participation captured in viral videos circulating on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. A defining feature of the protests has been the use of the hashtags #NepoBaby and #NepoKids. These terms, which have gained traction in recent weeks, refer to the children of politicians and other elites who are perceived to have achieved success and luxury without merit, living off public funds while ordinary Nepalis struggle with unemployment and poverty. Viral videos contrasting the lavish lifestyles of these "NepoKids," featuring designer clothes, foreign travel and luxury cars, with the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens have struck a chord with the protesters. The slogans have become a rallying cry for a generation frustrated with the stark inequality and perceived lack of accountability among the country's leaders. The violence that has accompanied the protests has been devastating. Security forces, in an attempt to disperse the crowds, have used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons. In response, some protesters have resorted to arson, setting fire to government buildings – including the Supreme Court, parliament and police posts – as well as the homes of politicians and private businesses. The Health Ministry reported that at least 1,300 people have been injured in the unrest. The destruction has been widespread, with many bodies still being recovered from the rubble of burned-out buildings.

A call for rebuilding and reconciliation: Hope for Nepal's future

In the wake of the violence, Nepal's new interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, has called for calm and urged the nation to come together to rebuild. Karki, who became the first woman to lead the country, has promised compensation of 1 million Nepalese rupees (approximately $11,330) to the families of those killed and free treatment for the injured. In her first public remarks since taking office, Karki acknowledged the demands of the protesters, stating that the government must listen to the concerns of the younger generation. "We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation," said Karki. She also emphasized the need for an end to corruption, good governance and economic equality. Karki, who was appointed after several days of negotiations among protest leaders, President Ramchandra Paudel and army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, has pledged to hold new parliamentary elections on March 5. "We will not stay here more than six months in any situation," she said. Karki also promised to hand over power to the next parliament and ministers. The situation in Nepal remains tense, with protesters continuing to defy an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu and other cities. The international community is watching closely, with rights groups like Amnesty International calling for an end to impunity and urging the government to address the root causes of the unrest. As Nepal stands at a crossroads, the challenge for Karki and her government will be to restore trust and address the deep-seated grievances that have fueled the protests. The stakes are high, and the path to reconciliation and rebuilding will not be easy. But if Nepal is to emerge from this crisis stronger, it will require a commitment to transparency, accountability and a genuine effort to bridge the gap between the elite and the ordinary citizens who have borne the brunt of the country's struggles.

As explained by Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the Nepalese government's attempt to ban social media platforms to stifle dissent backfired. Instead of quelling unrest, the ban fueled resentment among the population, which viewed it as an oppressive measure, and this resentment directly ignited the widespread demonstrations the government had hoped to prevent. Watch the video below of the Singha Durbar Palace, which houses government and parliament buildings in Nepal, as it is engulfed in flames amid the violent protests in the country. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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The protest catalyst: A social media ban backfires

A call for rebuilding and reconciliation: Hope for Nepal's future

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