19 killed in GenZ’s peaceful protest against digital coup, journalists among the injured
KATHMANDU | September 8: At least 19 citizens lost their lives in Kathmandu on September 8 during GenZ’s peaceful protest against the digital coup, as police resorted to excessive force. Over 400 were injured, including several journalists who were severely wounded while covering the demonstrations near the Federal Parliament Building in Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
Dipendra Dhungana, a photojournalist with Naya Patrika, was shot in the neck by police. “Dhungana was shot in the neck while covering the protest,” photojournalist Skanda Gautam told Media Action Nepal. Initially treated at Civil Hospital, he was later rushed to Patan Hospital in critical condition. Janma Dev Jaishi confirmed to Media Action Nepal that “Dhungana is currently undergoing treatment at Patan Hospital, and his condition remains very serious.”
Barsha Shah, a photojournalist at Deshsanchar, sustained injuries after being hit by stones during the protest. “A stone struck me in the stomach. Thankfully, a protester helped me with first aid and ointment,” she said.
Umesh Karki, a Nepalpress photojournalist, was also injured by a police bullet while taking photographs in New Baneshwor. He was treated at Civil Hospital and later returned to the field.
Similarly, Shyam Shrestha of Kantipur Television was shot while filming the protest in Baneshwor. He is currently undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital.
Media Action Nepal condemns the brutal crackdown
Media Action Nepal denounces the excessive and lethal use of force by police against Gen-Z demonstrators who were peacefully raising their voices against the digital coup. Targeting journalists, who play a vital role in documenting truth and holding power to account, is a direct assault on press freedom and democracy.
“This tragedy exposes the utter failure of leadership and accountability at the highest levels of government,” said Laxman Datt Pant, Founding Chair of Media Action Nepal. We demand immediate resignation of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, who must take responsibility for this atrocity, Pant added.
