Media Houses Targeted During Gen-Z Protests in Nepal
During the Gen-Z movement on September 8–9, several major media houses in Nepal, including Kantipur Media Group (KMG), Annapurna Media Network (AMN), Thaha Sanchar, and state-owned Nepal Television and Radio Nepal, suffered significant damage. Newsrooms were vandalized, offices set ablaze, equipment destroyed, and journalists physically assaulted.
Despite the destruction, journalists continued reporting, upholding their responsibility to inform the public and protect democracy. KMG’s Thapathali office and Kantipur Television Complex in Tinkune were severely damaged, forcing temporary relocations and halts in broadcasting. Annapurna Express ceased publication after its newsroom was set on fire, while Thaha Sanchar reporters and Nepal Television staff faced property damage and psychological stress.
Media leaders suggested that the attacks were orchestrated by vested interests, not the protesters, targeting outlets for exposing corruption and performing their watchdog role. The incidents have raised urgent concerns about press freedom, journalist safety, and the sustainability of independent media in Nepal.
Media and journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy. They hold the vital responsibility to protect democratic values by providing transparent, accountable, and independent information. At the same time, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, including the state and society, to ensure a secure, fearless environment so that journalists can report freely and without intimidation. Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) urges a thorough investigation into these attacks, calls for the punishment of the real culprits, and stresses that safety and security for media and journalists must be guaranteed at all times.
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Parbat Ward Chairman Arrested for Inciting Gen-Z Protest
Police in Parbat have arrested Achyut Tiwari, Ward Chairperson, Falewas Municipality-4, on charges of inciting violence during the Gen-Z movement. Tiwari allegedly posted a Facebook status urging protesters to act against local sand smugglers, their protectors and the district police chief. Authorities claim his post violated Section 47 of the Electronic Transactions Act, accusing him of fueling unrest as protesters vandalized government and private property. Nepal Congress leaders, however, argue the arrest is politically motivated, citing revenge after Tiwari mentioned the police chief by name. Finance Administration Disrupted by Gen Z Demonstration
The Gen Z protests caused extensive damage to Nepal’s financial administration, with arson and vandalism hitting the Ministry of Finance, customs, tax offices, and accounting departments. Essential services are slowly resuming, but most offices remain shut.
According to Finance Ministry spokesperson Tank Prasad Pandey, key digital systems, including the budget information system (LMIS), customs’ Asycuda, and the integrated tax system (ITS), remain secure, though vehicles and office infrastructure were destroyed. Authorities are assessing damages and considering temporary setups, including tents, to restore disrupted services.
NT Reports Theft of Recharge Cards During Gen Z Movement
Nepal Telecom has confirmed that 70,200 recharge cards worth Rs. 7.1 million were stolen during the Gen Z movement on September 9, 2025, following vandalism and arson at its Provincial Directorate in Pokhara, Gandaki Province. In a notice published on September 15, 2025, the company released the serial numbers of the stolen cards and urged individuals to return them to the nearest Nepal Telecom office or police station.
Singha Durbar Faces Heavy Losses, But National Data Center Safe
The recent Gen Z movement protests in Kathmandu Valley led to widespread arson and looting, causing billions in damage to ministries, government offices, and private establishments. Key institutions, including the Supreme Court, Special Court, and Parliament—suffered destruction, with years of records and evidence lost in the fires.
Amid the chaos, concern centered on the Government Integrated Data Center (GIDC) inside Singha Durbar. Fortunately, the data center remained unharmed, safeguarding critical national information. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also escaped major damage, though its vehicles, furnishings, and some equipment were vandalized.
According to ministry spokesperson Gajendra Thakur, postal services, telecommunications, and FM radio stations across the country have been affected, with formal assessments ongoing. While internet services were disrupted due to burned cables, repair work is underway.
Ncell Files Complaint After Violent Attack
On September 9, 2025, Ncell’s main office, Ncell Icon, in Lainchaur, Kathmandu, was vandalized, looted, and set on fire by criminal groups who exploited on protest. The incident caused extensive property damage and loss of valuable assets. In its complaint to the District Police Office, Kathmandu, Ncell demanded the arrest and maximum punishment of those involved, recovery of stolen goods, and compensation for damages.
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Digital Rights Weekly is a week-based update on Digital Rights and ICT issues, that happened throughout the week, compiled and analyzed from the digital rights perspective by Digital Rights Nepal (DRN). DRN is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to the protection and promotion of digital rights, including the right to online freedom of expression and association, online privacy, access to information, and related issues such as internet governance, cyber laws/policies, and cyber securities in Nepal.
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| This publication has been produced with financial support from Norway. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Digital Rights Nepal and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Norway. |
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