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.

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.

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.

On Friday morning, November 1, Paul Bérenger, the leader of the Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM), expressed his outrage regarding the recent decision made by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA).

During a statement on RadioPlus, Bérenger described the situation as “shocking and revolting” after the ICTA announced that all telecommunications operators must temporarily suspend access to all social media platforms until November 11, 2024.

Bérenger noted that the Alliance du Changement is beginning to examine the “legal” implications of this decision.

He emphasized the need to evaluate the situation thoroughly given the potential impact on civil liberties.

In a statement issued earlier on November 1, the ICTA mentioned it had received directives to ask internet service providers to block access to social media due to “illegal publications posing a serious threat to national security and public safety.”

Supporting this directive, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that the ICTA’s request aims to restrict access to the most commonly used social media networks in Mauritius in order to safeguard national security and the integrity of the country, as well as that of its international partners.

The PMO warned of a “real risk” that could compromise the nation’s security and sovereignty.

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