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Scandal Erupts in Mauritius as Wire-Tapping Allegations Emerge

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Scandal Erupts in Mauritius as Wire-Tapping Allegations Emerge
Image source: The Daily Guardian

Mauritius is currently embroiled in a serious wire-tapping scandal that has surfaced just weeks before the nation’s general elections, which are set for November 10. Reports reveal that the phone calls of politicians, journalists, civil society members, and even foreign diplomats have been recorded and leaked online, raising deep concerns regarding privacy and security.

The international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has highlighted that five prominent journalists are among those who have been targeted.

In a press release, RSF called for an independent investigation into the situation, emphasizing the dire consequences of eavesdropping on journalists and the significant risks it poses to their safety and the confidentiality of their sources.

The organization has expressed particular alarm over the extensive nature of the wiretapping as the country approaches its legislative elections.

As the election date nears, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and police officials have attempted to dismiss the allegations by claiming that the leaked conversations were manipulated using artificial intelligence.

However, the journalists affected by this breach have confirmed the authenticity of the leaked calls. Nawaz Noorbux, the news director of the private radio station Radio Plus, publicly criticized this explanation, arguing that the government is using the AI narrative as a cover-up to divert attention from the embarrassment caused by the scandal.

In an effort to distance itself from the controversy, Mauritius Telecom released a statement asserting that the company does not engage in intercepting, monitoring, or manipulating communications in any capacity.

As the political landscape heats up, Prime Minister Jugnauth’s ruling party, the Militant Socialist Movement, is aiming to retain its majority in the National Assembly and secure another five-year term for the Prime Minister.

Jugnauth first assumed office in 2017, taking over from his father without a parliamentary vote, and subsequently led his coalition to victory in the 2019 elections.

With these allegations looming, the integrity of Mauritius’ electoral process and the safety of its journalists hang in the balance as the nation prepares to head to the polls.

Source: The Daily Guardian

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