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The private homes of top Nepalese political leaders—including the nation’s president—were torched by demonstrators who took to the streets in a stand against a social media ban.
The mass protests started in response to the ban—which was lifted on Tuesday, September 9—but have since broadened into an expression of dissatisfaction with the country’s political leadership and alleged corruption.
The residences attacked included those of Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the largest party Nepali Congress; President Ram Chandra Poudel; Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak; and leader of the Communist Party of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Local reports and videos shared on social media showed protesters attacking the homes in and around Kathmandu. A curfew was imposed in the capital and other cities, and schools in Kathmandu were closed.
At least 19 people were killed and more than 100 were injured during the protests across Monday and Tuesday, BBC News reported.
“Rather than [the] social media ban, I think everyone’s focus is on corruption,” protester Sabana Budathoki told the broadcaster, saying the ban was “just the reason” everybody had assembled.
“We want our country back. We came to stop corruption.”
This is a developing article. Updates to follow.
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
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