“The entire nation had internet blackout (No internet). which is quite significant and people do relay on the internet especially during the time of crisis. At this moment there is this information blackout,” Toker said. Rights groups have accused authorities of routinely shutting down internet and telecommunications services during protests, as well as the country’s only telecoms provider owned solely by the state.
Human Rights Watch said the internet blackout has stoked tensions and increased concerns about protesters being suppressed, and urged authorities to restore connection.
The rights group said three protesters were killed by security forces, while a doctor in Dire Dawa town said he treated eight people with gunshots fired by security forces to disperse protests.
“Rather than restoring calm, the authorities’ internet shutdown, apparent excessive use of force, and arrest of political opposition figures could make a volatile situation even worse. The government should take prompt steps to reverse these actions or risk sliding deeper into crisis,” the rights group said in a statement.
Source:ghgossip.com
