Nepal Cracks Down on Abuse of Flood Survivors
Nepal has launched a crackdown on online abuse targeting survivors and families affected by last month’s deadly Bhotekoshi floods, with Prime Minister Balendra Shah warning that authorities will show “no leniency” towards people who mock or harass those already suffering.
Nepal Cyber Bureau Forms 10-Member Investigation Team
Nepal’s Cyber Bureau has formed a 10-member team to investigate social media accounts accused of posting hateful, insulting or demeaning comments about flood survivors.
Police are reviewing profiles and attempting to identify the addresses and telephone numbers of users behind the posts. Authorities say investigations can proceed where sufficient evidence exists even if victims have not filed formal complaints.
Shah said people who deliberately belittle survivors or add to their suffering during the disaster should face consequences.
Flood Victims Face Abuse After Seeking Help Online
Families of people missing since the August 26 floods have increasingly used social media to seek information, appeal for faster rescue operations and criticise the authorities’ response.
Several such posts have attracted hostile comments. Women searching for missing relatives have reported being mocked or insulted after publicly questioning the pace of rescue efforts.
Some users have pushed back against the abuse, arguing that grieving families should receive support rather than hostility.
Online Harassment Can Bring Five-Year Jail Term
Under Nepal’s Electronic Transactions Act, certain forms of online harassment, humiliation and hateful content can result in imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to 100,000 Nepali rupees, or both.
Police have already arrested one man over separate social media comments concerning the ethnic identity of flood victims that authorities said could inflame tensions.
The crackdown comes as Nepal continues large-scale search operations for thousands of people still missing following one of the country’s worst natural disasters.
