Journalists and media professionals staged a demonstration at Maitighar on Sunday against the government’s decision to ban unregistered social media platforms.

Carrying placards reading “No shutdown of social networks, no silencing of voices,” “Freedom of expression is our right,” and “Democracy hacked, authoritarianism back,” protesters said the move was an attempt to weaken democratic values and muzzle free speech.

Former office bearers of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, along with journalists from various media outlets, took part in the rally. They criticised the ban as an undemocratic step that undermines citizens’ constitutional rights.

The government on Thursday announced restrictions on social media platforms not listed with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, sparking widespread criticism from the public and professional bodies.