Social Media Seems Blocked?

from NewsMoris.com and Defi Media  22 minutes ago:

source:   https://newsmoris.com/2024/11/01/social … xpression/

Politics

Social Media Suspension:

Politians’ 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’s decision as “an arbitrary act that goes against freedom of expression and the press.”

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.

“This is an act of cowardice,” 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 “illegal publications potentially threatening national security and public safety.”

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 “real coup d’état” during the electoral campaign.

In a message sent to the press, Assirvaden strongly denounced the ICTA’s action and vowed that the Alliance du Changement would not remain passive in the face of this challenge.

“We will not allow this to happen,” he asserted.

Nando Bodha, a leader of Linion Reform, also reacted strongly to the ICTA’s decision, describing it as “a violation of freedom of expression.”

Bodha characterized the suspension as the “last desperate act of a failing and beleaguered regime,” 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.

“Perhaps Pravind Jugnauth is aiming to create an emergency situation to thwart the elections,” 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’s decision.

Source: Defi Media / Defi Media2 / Defi Media3

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Not sure about social media but I cannot access the Emtel self care, says access is blocked. Reported on their messenger helpline several times, been over a month, and they simply ignore my complaints. Very disappointing,  not sure who's not doing what

@Okie123

Well, if this happens, I certainly won't be bringing my £'s to Mauritius anymore. 

We are an international online shopping brand. When we woke up today, we found that our network servers in Mauritius cannot access Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. At first, we thought it was a firewall malfunction on the server, but later we found out that the network operator in Mauritius has blocked the use of social media in Mauritius. This is really unbelievable. We have decided to stop investing in business expansion in Mauritius and to start implementing an evacuation plan for our employees in Mauritius.

You guys have to do your home work ( or at least should have done so before since it is the M.O. of the government whenever one feels attacked)  :

FWIW: The govt has been caught with its pants down : it is Election time and it was a means to curtail freedom of speech as far as controlling the population is concerned but it failed .

Now they are supposedly trying to secure the communication lines of the privileged ones ( or those who can't be named) and then all the networks ( social media) will be re-established .

NB: Have  no one been following Missié moustass or "Moustass Leaks" !

Well, perhaps if everyone votes against him in the election, he will rethink his strategy of having a bratty tantrum. A lot of people like mee need social media for business & clients! This is unacceptable.

Hello everyone,

Please note that we had a troll on this thread.

The topic being old news now, I am closing the thread so that members are not lead into thinking that social media are blocked.

Regards

Bhavna

[Topic Closed]