Protestors Set Nepal Parliament on Fire

In just days after the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal is now facing its most severe unrest in decades. What simply began as anger over a ban on social media has quickly erupted into a mass movement against the Himalayan nation’s political corruption.

Last week, the government ordered 26 social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, to be banned for failing to register with authorities. Officials defended the move, claiming it as a crackdown on fake news and online fraud, although many people saw it as an attack on free speech.

A government minister stated the ban was lifted late Monday to “address the demands of Gen Z,” but by then the protests had already spun out of control.

On Monday and Tuesday, protesters stormed parliament, setting fire to government buildings and attacking the homes of senior politicians, including Oli’s personal residence. Hundreds of protestors painted graffiti on shattered windows, huddling around the flames.

Officials also confirmed that 900 inmates successfully escaped amidst the chaos, while three more protesters were killed Tuesday, rising the death toll to 22.

In his resignation letter, Oli wrote, “In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution.”

For now, Nepal faces deep uncertainty, with Oli and other powerful leaders gone into hiding. Although no one appears to be in charge, security forces have threatened stronger action if violence continues. While the only demand is an end to corruption, the way forward is still unclear.

“I hope this change will bring something that is positive to us,” said 20-year-old protester Muna Shreshta in Kathmandu.