Zimbabwe court rules minister had no authority to order internet shutdown

The High Court in Zimbabwe has just ruled that the state
security minister had no authority to order an internet
shutdown.

The government shut down the web on two occasions during the
past six days and access to sites, like Facebook and Twitter
remains blocked.

Zimbabwe is in the grips of a crisis after a deadly crackdown
last week that human rights groups say claimed the lives of at
least 12 people.

Angry citizens took to the streets to protest the staggering
150% fuel price hike announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa
earlier this month.

It’s understood that the internet blockade caused huge financial
losses, disrupted health services and damaged the country’s
reputation as being open for business.

Presidential spokesman George Charamba says the internet was
used to coordinate violent protests and shutting it down was for
the national good.

This is seen as a landmark court hearing as rights lawyers say
Zimbabweans’ constitutional right to information has been
violated.

(AFP)