Nepal: 19 Killed in Violent Anti-Government Protests

At least 19 people were killed today in Nepal during violent anti-government protests. Police used tear gas and plastic bullets in the capital to disperse protesters who tried to storm parliament, protesting against corruption and the blocking of social networking sites.

In Kathmandu, 17 people lost their lives, while two more victims were reported in Itahari. Protesters set fire to an ambulance and threw objects at police officers.

The Minister of Interior, Ramesh Lehak, resigned taking "moral responsibility" for the events. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli convened an emergency cabinet meeting.

Protests also took place in Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Pokhara.