From power to prison: Ex-Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli arrested over 2025 Gen Z protests

The arrest comes days after a government-appointed panel recommended legal action against the 74-year-old leader for failing to prevent excessive use of force during demonstrations held on September 8 and 9, according to The Himalayan Times.

Oli’s detention took place just a day after Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s new Prime Minister, marking a dramatic political shift in the country.

Confirming the development, Home Minister Sudan Gurung said in a Facebook post: “Promise is a promise — no one is above the law.” He added that both Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Writer had been taken into custody.

“This is not an act of revenge, but the beginning of justice,” Gurung said, expressing hope that the country would now move in a new direction.

According to reports, Oli was arrested at his residence in Gundu.

Also Read: Nepal creates history: Youth icon Balen Shah takes oath as PM after massive victory

Nepal’s Gen Z Revolt: How a Social Media Ban Sparked a Political Crisis

The unrest began quietly but escalated rapidly.

One September morning, young people across Nepal woke up to find major social media platforms — including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X — suddenly inaccessible.

The government claimed the platforms had “failed to register” under new regulations. But for a digitally connected generation, the move was widely seen as an attempt to stifle free expression.

Within hours, the streets of Kathmandu filled with students, job seekers, artists, and content creators. Protesters rallied against corruption, nepotism, and a political elite they accused of being disconnected from everyday struggles.

What started as a protest against a social media ban quickly evolved into a broader movement demanding systemic reform.

“Enough is enough!” became the defining slogan.

Despite the blackout, demonstrators used VPNs and other digital tools to share images and videos, many showing injured protesters — sparking outrage both domestically and internationally.

Under mounting pressure, authorities reversed the ban within three days — a rare concession widely seen as a victory for youth-led mobilization.

However, the movement had already gained momentum.

Calls intensified for greater accountability, sweeping anti-corruption measures, and fresh elections. Long-standing political structures appeared increasingly fragile as a politically energized generation asserted itself.

The protests ultimately forced Oli to step down, marking one of the most significant youth-driven political upheavals in Nepal’s recent history.