13,500 break out of Nepal prisons amid protests

Nepali police announced Wednesday that more than 13,500 prisoners broke out of jails across the country during anti-government protests this week, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. 

"Three policemen died yesterday and more than 13,500 prisoners have escaped from jails across the country," Nepal Police spokesman Binod Ghimire told AFP.

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday following one of the deadliest crackdowns on protesters in recent memory, which left at least 19 people dead.

The resignation came as young protesters defied a curfew to express their anger at the government, a day after violent clashes erupted in Kathmandu and other cities. 

Demonstrations initially began on Monday, demanding the lifting of a government-imposed social media ban and stronger action against corruption. 

Despite the temporary restoration of blocked apps, the protests continued.

Read more: Nepal’s Prime Minister resigns amid deadly protests over social media ban

The social media restrictions fueled widespread frustration among Nepal’s youth, who make up nearly 43 percent of the country’s population.

Authorities blocked platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X on Friday, citing the presence of 26 unregistered applications. 

High unemployment, around 10 percent, and a low GDP per capita of USD 1,447 have compounded public discontent, according to World Bank and government data.

Amnesty International reported that live ammunition was used during Monday’s protests, and the United Nations called for a transparent and swift investigation.

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Violence escalated on Monday as police clashed with crowds attempting to enter a restricted zone near parliament.

Seventeen people were killed in Kathmandu and two in Sunsari district, while around 400 were injured, including more than 100 police officers.