In September, travel vlogger Harry Jackson arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, unaware that the city was experiencing major youth-led protests. His journey from Thailand to the United Kingdom unexpectedly placed him at the center of a significant political upheaval. Jackson’s footage, shared across his social media channels under the name @wehatethecold, quickly became a primary international source for understanding the events unfolding in Nepal.
The demonstrations, primarily driven by young people, led to dramatic outcomes. These included defying law enforcement, storming the parliament building, setting it on fire, and ultimately leading to the removal of the prime minister. Jackson’s videos captured these intense moments, providing a raw and immediate perspective for millions worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Travel vlogger Harry Jackson became a key source of information during Nepal's September protests.
- Youth-led demonstrations resulted in the ousting of the prime minister and new elections.
- Jackson's videos captured critical moments, including clashes and the burning of parliament.
- Corruption and a social media ban were identified as major drivers for the protests.
- Over 70 people were killed and 21,000 injured during the two-day period of intense unrest.
Unexpected Arrival Amidst Unrest
Harry Jackson entered Kathmandu on September 8 with no knowledge of the ongoing protests or the city-wide curfew. That day, riots broke out, resulting in nearly two dozen deaths after authorities opened fire on demonstrators. Jackson, who had been documenting his motorcycle trip from Thailand to the UK for months, found himself directly in the middle of these events.
The anger that fueled these protests had been building in Nepal for months. A significant factor was widespread corruption among politicians. Many citizens noted that the children of these politicians frequently displayed their wealth on social media. This disparity generated public resentment.
Fact: Social Media Ban
On September 4, the Nepali government banned 26 social media platforms. This action further fueled public discontent, leading directly to the start of the protests.
Large-scale demonstrations began on September 8. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against crowds, many of whom were young people. Jackson arrived during this escalation, filming the marches and recording the sounds of gunshots.
From Tourist to Unintentional Chronicler
Jackson had visited Nepal in June but returned due to other geopolitical issues. His original plan was a brief stop in Kathmandu to arrange shipping for his Honda CT125 motorcycle. He had previously attempted to cross into Pakistan from India, but the border closure redirected him north to Nepal.
After settling into his hotel and catching up on the news, Jackson decided to observe the protests firsthand the following day. He was warned about tourist safety but chose to proceed, citing his experiences on unsafe roads during his weeks-long journey.
"This footage just has to go online. I was watching it back and reliving the time and thinking, wow, this is insane," Jackson told WIRED. "They’re burning parliament, this is huge!"
On September 9, Jackson spent several hours among the protesters. By mid-afternoon, he returned to his hotel to edit and publish his footage quickly. His video captured a mix of chaotic scenes, including hundreds fleeing gunshots, alongside acts of mutual aid, such as people distributing water and assisting those affected by tear gas.
Background: Political Instability
K.P. Sharma Oli had recently returned to power as prime minister. The protests represented a significant public backlash against his administration and broader political issues.
Jackson's video shows him, at 28 years old, moving through the crowds, asking for updates, and following the demonstrators as they approached the parliament building. The video gained immense traction, accumulating millions of views within hours and over 30 million views on YouTube alone.
The Immediate Aftermath and Public Reaction
The two days of intense protests resulted in significant casualties. More than 70 people were killed, and over 21,000 were injured. Several buildings, including the parliament and the homes of politicians, were set on fire. However, shopping areas and popular neighborhood spots remained untouched, as documented in Jackson's videos.
The protests achieved rapid results. K.P. Sharma Oli resigned as prime minister. Nepal’s president then dissolved the government and scheduled new elections for March. Sushila Karki, a former chief justice, was appointed interim prime minister. This decision partly followed extensive discussions and votes on the Discord messaging app, which activists had used for communication before and during the protests.
Defining the Role of a Vlogger
Jackson has stated in his videos and on social media that he does not consider himself a journalist. He sees himself as a tourist simply filming his surroundings. He has clarified that he does not possess a journalist visa or a journalism degree, and his intention was always to be a YouTuber.
He acknowledges that being a foreigner, specifically a white British individual, likely contributed to the international attention his videos received. However, he primarily attributes the widespread reach to his ability to get close to the events and capture dramatic footage. Jackson observed that while local Nepali media and other foreign news outlets were present, many seemed to maintain a distance, filming from afar as fires burned.
Quote on Impact
"I have truly witnessed history, on a stupid trip from Thailand to England on a f***ing moped!" Jackson exclaimed into his camera amidst the sounds of chants, drums, fire, and upheaval.
Jackson discussed this dynamic with his new Nepali acquaintances. He was told that his unbiased approach, entering the protests without a specific political agenda, allowed him to film the events in a raw and unfiltered manner, which resonated with viewers.
Broader Implications and Continued Coverage
Despite the successful government overthrow, Jackson expressed surprise that the Nepal protests did not receive more extensive international media coverage. He noted that other global protests, even less impactful ones, sometimes garnered more attention. He emphasized the significance of a "literal collapse of a government" not becoming a larger global story.
Jackson also pointed out that much of the limited coverage tended to oversimplify the causes, often focusing solely on the social media ban. He sarcastically commented on the idea of Gen Z protesting simply for a "day without dopamine."
- Primary Cause: Long-simmering issues of political corruption.
- Catalyst for Escalation: The killing of nearly 20 people on September 8.
From his conversations in Kathmandu, Jackson understood that the protests were driven by deep-seated anger over corruption. He highlighted the deaths on September 8 as a critical turning point, leading to a more intense public response: "You know, ‘You shot 20 people, so we’re going to go harder.’"
Life as a 'Local Celebrity' and Future Plans
The massive increase in his viewership transformed Jackson into a "weird local celebrity." In his videos since September 9, people frequently approach him for greetings, selfies, or to ask if he is the person behind @wehatethecold. Memes featuring Jackson running through the chaos, often captioned "Guy goes on a holiday and ends up at a revolution," have also spread widely in Nepal and internationally.
In the wake of the protests, Nepal's new government has initiated an investigation into the police violence that occurred in early September. The interim prime minister has established a commission to examine the assaults, deaths, and arsons.
Jackson has continued filming, using his newfound attention to highlight the people he met in Kathmandu and to showcase parts of the city that are not embroiled in conflict. He reports that shops are reopening, people are returning to their routines, and a sense of positivity has emerged. Originally planning a quick exit from Nepal, Jackson now intends to stay longer. He wants to document the country's recovery and the daily life after the initial chaos, leveraging the connections he has made to explore new areas.
"I haven't had any bad experiences," Jackson said. "And it was kind of my duty to do that, to keep filing. They’ve helped me so much."
