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The authorities had a change of heart following widespread anger from Mauritians at the decision, with many describing it as setting a dangerous precedent.
In a significant move, Mauritius reversed its decision to block access to social media ahead of the country’s general election due to take place on 10 November. A wiretapping scandal last month in which conversations, including of politicians, were leaked on social media. The Government authorities felt it was a threat to national security and integrity and blocked access to social media. The leaked conversation included a police commissioner asking a forensic pathologist to alter the autopsy report of a suspect beaten in police custody.
An investigation was opened following the leak. The ban, which impacted Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, was to have lasted until the day after the polls. The authorities had a change of heart following widespread anger from Mauritians at the decision, with many describing it as setting a dangerous precedent.
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The action triggered protests from civil society groups, businesses, and individuals. They criticised the ban saying it would not only stifle democratic processes but would also harm the economy. Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth is reported as saying that an inquiry into the leaked recordings is underway and that there have already been several arrests.
