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Politics
Social Media Suspension:
Politians鈥� Outcry Over Freedom of ExpressionPublished
on 01/11/2024By News Moris Editor
Social Media Suspension: Politians' Outcry Over Freedom of Expression
Mauritius is currently facing significant backlash following a controversial decision by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) to temporarily suspend access to all social media platforms until November 11, 2024. The move has been criticized by various political figures, aurguing that it undermines freedom of expression and press freedoms.
Social Media Suspension: Politians' Outcry Over Freedom of Expression
Arvin Boolell, a prominent political figure from Labour party, condemned the ICTA鈥檚 decision as 鈥渁n arbitrary act that goes against freedom of expression and the press.鈥�
He expressed his concerns during a radio broadcast on RadioPlus on the morning of Nov1.
Boolell emphasized that, particularly during the ongoing electoral campaign, social media serves as a vital tool for communication.
鈥淭his is an act of cowardice,鈥� he stated, underlining the importance of these platforms for public discourse.
In a statement from Emtel, one of the major telecommunications providers in Mauritius, the ICTA justified its decision by citing concerns over 鈥渋llegal publications potentially threatening national security and public safety.鈥�
This temporary suspension has raised alarms, particularly among political opponents.
Social Media Suspension: Politians' Outcry Over Freedom of Expression
Patrick Assirvaden, the president of the Labour Party (PTr), declared the suspension to be a 鈥渞eal coup d鈥櫭﹖at鈥� during the electoral campaign.
In a message sent to the press, Assirvaden strongly denounced the ICTA鈥檚 action and vowed that the Alliance du Changement would not remain passive in the face of this challenge.
鈥淲e will not allow this to happen,鈥� he asserted.
Nando Bodha, a leader of Linion Reform, also reacted strongly to the ICTA鈥檚 decision, describing it as 鈥渁 violation of freedom of expression.鈥�
Bodha characterized the suspension as the 鈥渓ast desperate act of a failing and beleaguered regime,鈥� suggesting it was a futile attempt to prevent an inevitable political shift.
He indicated that he and his legal colleagues, including Me Kailash Trilochun and Me Rama Valayden, are considering seeking an injunction from the Supreme Court, arguing that the move risks transforming Mauritius into a police state.
鈥淧erhaps Pravind Jugnauth is aiming to create an emergency situation to thwart the elections,鈥� Bodha speculated.
The support from various sectors of Mauritian society continues to grow, expressing alarm that such actions could pave the way for diminished civil liberties.
As responses pour in, the future of social media access in Mauritius remained uncertain, with many calling for immediate reconsideration of the ICTA鈥檚 decision.
Source: Defi Media / Defi Media2 / Defi Media3
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