Zimbabwe court rules minister had no authority to order 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)]]>