Mauritius reversed its decision on Saturday to block access to social media ahead of the country’s general election on Nov. 10. The government had initially imposed the ban, citing concerns over national security following a wiretapping scandal in which private conversations, including those of politicians, were leaked on social media.
The most alarming of the leaked recordings involved a police commissioner allegedly asking a forensic pathologist to alter an autopsy report for a suspect who died after being beaten in police custody. An investigation was launched in response to the leaks, and several arrests have been made.
The ban, which affected Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), was initially set to remain in place until the day after the elections. However, the move sparked widespread backlash across the country. Critics, including opposition parties, local media outlets, civil society groups, and business leaders, argued that the ban threatened democratic freedoms and could harm the economy.
Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth said the investigation into the leaked recordings is ongoing. He confirmed that multiple arrests have been made in connection with the scandal.
