Protests Demanding Restoration of Monarchy in Nepal Turn Deadly
The protesters are calling for the return of Gyanendra Shah, the last royal ruler of Nepal before the monarchy was dissolved in 2008 in favor of a secular republic. They are demanding a constitutional monarchy that declares Nepal a parliamentary democracy with a Hindu identity.
The two dead were identified as a protester and a television journalist, according to Dinesh Kumar Acharya, a spokesman for the Nepali police. The protester died of bullet wounds, while the journalist died after protesters set fire to a building from which he was filming, Mr. Acharya added. He said that at least 30 civilians and 40 police personnel were among the injured.
The government declared a curfew in large parts of the capital city, Kathmandu, and deployed the army to help restore order. A pro-monarchist protester, hurling stones at police officers on Friday. Credit... Niranjan Shrestha/Associated Press
Monarchists have begun a fresh wave of protests in recent months, accusing established political parties, including that of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, of being corrupt and of failing to lead the country out of poverty and political chaos.
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