The government of Zimbabwe has publicly admitted it shut down the internet, but says it did so in the interest of national security.
The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting tweeted today:
https://twitter.com/InfoMinZW/status/1085745244723769346
Ironically, the deputy minster in the same ministry, Energy Mutodi, said just two days ago that no blockade was in place and blamed the blackout on congestion.
The government of Zimbabwe issued an order to internet providers to shut down the internet on 15 January 2019 following a day of protests that turned violent. The total internet blackout lasted some 30 hours. Late afternoon on 15 January, connectivity was restored but not to the whole internet. Access to social media apps remains blocked.
Legal experts have said the order to shut down the internet was illegal and that it can be challenged in court.
Related:
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Watch: Gov Minister, Energy Mutodi, Lies About Internet Blockade in Zimbabwe
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Watch: “This Is Not How A Modern Country Operates” – FM on Internet Shutdown
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Legal Experts Say Internet Shutdown Ilegal
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How Zimbabweans Reacted To President Mngagwa’s Message On Protests
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Full Text: MISA, Journalists Demand Lifting Of Internet Blockade By Government
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We Zimbabweans want to hear the truth coming from government in order to have trust in our government. We are. Not kids where if you feel like lying, then you go on and please your self. This is new Zimbabwe and we don’t need liers.
Energy Mutodi, don’t let politics remove your true good identity, because people will not respect you.