'He's just worried about the unknown': Australian detained in Nepal after taking photos at a protest

A 24-year-old filmmaker from the Blue Mountains in New South Wales has been detained by authorities in Nepal.

Kalani Garcon's mother Alexandra told 9News he was taking photos of a protest on Saturday when he was arrested alongside six other foreigners.

Hundreds of people took to Kathmandu streets to complain about the Nepalese government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Alexandra Garcon says her son has now been charged: "for documenting internal affairs which is illegal for a foreigner in Nepal".

The Department of Foreign Affairs told 9News it's providing Kalani with consular assistance, and officials have visited him.

9News understands Mr Garcon is a dual citizen and entered the country on his German passport, rather than Australian.

"He's just worried about the unknown," Ms Garcon said.

He is expected to be taken to a detention centre before being deported to Germany.

During Nepal's COVID-19 lockdown, the filmmaker has been helping to feed the needy.

He is one of the founders of Lockdown Lunches and over the past two months the charity has cooked and delivered thousands of meals.