Nepal police have confirmed that over 13,500 prisoners escaped from jails across the country amid anti-government protests this week.
Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire reported the mass jailbreak and added that three police officers were killed during the unrest on Wednesday. Viral videos on social media show large groups of inmates attempting to flee from Dillibazar Prison in Kathmandu, but military personnel intervened, demanding the prisoners’ release.
In response, the Nepalese military deployed forces across Kathmandu’s streets to restore order after protesters set fire to the Parliament building and forced Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to resign. Armored vehicles patrolled the city, while curfew announcements were broadcast through loudspeakers amid burned-out buildings and vehicles.
Chief of the Nepal Army, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, urged all demonstrators to “stop protesting and engage in peaceful dialogue.”
The protests began on Monday, driven by youth activists calling themselves the ‘Gen Z movement,’ opposing government social media bans and corruption. The unrest escalated to government buildings being torched and at least 22 deaths resulting from clashes with authorities.
Protesters also attacked and set fire to Prime Minister Oli’s residence on Tuesday. He resigned shortly afterward, citing the need to allow for a “political resolution,” and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Nepal faces high youth unemployment, exceeding 20% for ages 15 to 24, with a per capita GDP of just US$1,447. Social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and X had been previously blocked but were restored following the protests.
