A journalist, Roshan Pokharel, was arrested in eastern Nepal on 9 April, 2026, for allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as ‘Balen,’ on his YouTube channel, ‘Hades.’
Pokharel, a resident of Falgunananda Rural Municipality in Panchthar district, was released on 12 April, 2026, after spending four days in police custody.
His release came after a wave of protests led by Gen Z activists, including Tanuja Pandey and Bijaya Shah, spokesperson for the Gen Z movement in Nepal, reports Hindu(India) and news agencies of Nepal.
These activists voiced strong objections to the arrest, arguing that individuals should not be detained solely for expressing their opinions. They stressed that freedom of expression should be protected and warned that such actions could pave the way for authoritarianism.
Prime Minister Shah, a former YouTuber known for his rap songs that criticize Nepal’s existing systems, gained significant popularity before entering politics. His Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) formed the government in March, following a decisive victory in the first general elections post last year’s Gen Z protests.
These protests, which called for generational change and a corruption-free government, were triggered by a proposed ban on social media.
Shah’s rise to power and his political journey have been closely tied to the energy and demands of the younger generation, who continue to challenge the status quo in Nepal’s political landscape.
