Mauritius Reopens Social MediaAccess in Response to PublicPressure

Mauritius on Saturday overruled its decision to prohibit social media until the election onNovember 10th which was caused by a wiretapping scandal.The block on social media has been in place for 24 hours by preventing people on the IndianOcean island from accessing Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.It was supposed to last until November 11 which is the day after the general election.The restriction was caused by the recent public broadcast of hidden recordings of phonecalls made by politicians, journalists, civil society representatives and even foreignambassadors.The office of Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth had stated because of the leaks that“the national security and integrity of our republic and our international partners may havebeen compromised.”However, in a statement which was issued on Saturday, the Information andCommunications Authority announced that the ban had been lifted following “consultationwith competent authorities.”Opposition parties and local media groups which both rely heavily on social media haveexpressed their outrage.Civil society organisations, businesses and people all criticised the prohibition, claiming itwould not only restrict democratic procedures but also affect the economy.An account named Missie Moustass (Mr Moustache) leaked the tapes which were mostlyshared on TikTok.There have been attempts to block this account but it has rapidly regenerated elsewhereand is now releasing recordings practically daily.Among the most shocking leaked video was the police commissioner allegedly requesting aforensic doctor to change a report on a person who died after being abused in policecustody.

Private calls with British High Commissioner Charlotte Pierre also appear to have beenleaked.According to reports, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth is conducting an investigationinto the leaked tapes and has already made several arrests.