As tensions grew over a wire-tapping scandal, the island nation of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean barred social media access on Friday, just days before a general election.
Secret phone conversation recordings made by journalists, lawmakers, civil society members, and even foreign diplomats have been making the rounds in Mauritius since they started to surface online last month.
Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth’s office announced on Friday that it has mandated that internet service providers restrict access to the most popular social networks. According to telecom operator EMTEL, the obstruction is expected to continue until November 11, the day following the election.
“Following the publication of certain audio tracks on social media, there is a real risk that the national security and integrity of our Republic and our international partners may have been compromised,” the office of the prime minister said in a statement.
The internet governance watchdog NetBlocks verified that X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok were inaccessible. According to police sources who spoke to AFP, Sherry Singh, the former CEO of Mauritius Telecom, and three other suspects were taken into custody later on Friday as part of the investigation into the leaks. The charges’ specifics were not immediately accessible.
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