Death toll rises to 72 in Nepal's Gen Z Revolution protests — Reuters

The number of casualties from the anti-corruption protests in Nepal, known as the “Gen Z Revolution,” has risen to 72, a Ministry of Health spokesperson said, Reuters reports.

According to Prakash Budathoki, rescue teams are still recovering bodies while clearing debris from damaged shopping centres and other buildings. The structures were reportedly affected by fires and other forms of attacks.

The "Gen Z Revolution" refers to a youth-led uprising in Nepal that erupted on September 8, initially sparked by widespread frustration over entrenched political corruption, nepotism ("nepo kids" campaigns highlighting politicians' lavish lifestyles amid economic hardship), and youth unemployment (20.8% for ages 15-24 per World Bank data). The protests were ignited by the government's abrupt ban on 26 social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and others—announced on September 4, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. This move, affecting 90% of Nepal's 30 million internet users, was seen as an attempt to silence online criticism of the ruling elite under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's coalition government, which had faced accusations of failing to combat graft and deliver on economic promises.

What began as peaceful demonstrations organized via Discord servers, TikTok, and other platforms—featuring tactical discussions and viral memes—quickly escalated into Nepal's deadliest unrest in decades. On September 8, thousands of mostly young protesters stormed the federal parliament in Kathmandu, breached security buildings, and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. Demonstrators set fire to parliament, the Supreme Court, the Nepali Congress headquarters, government offices like Singha Durbar, and homes of political leaders (including former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba's residence). Looting and arson spread to shopping centres, hotels, and other structures, leading to jailbreaks (22 escapees later recaptured at the India border). The international airport in Kathmandu was shut for over 24 hours, schools closed nationwide, and a curfew was imposed until September 12, with the Nepal Army deployed on September 10 to patrol streets and restore order.

By Khagan Isayev