A month the supposed “regional coup”—which is akin to saying “localized pandemic”—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took questions about his decision to take draconian measures by shutting down the internet throughout the whole of Ethiopia. When asked why he thought it was wise to plunge 105 million people into an information blackout, Ahmed rationalized the actions of the EPRDF government by citing national security.
“For sake of national security internet and social media could be blocked any time necessary. As long as it is deemed necessary to save lives and prevent properties damages, the internet would be closed permanently, let alone for a week.”
He then went on to dismiss the inalienable rights Ethiopians have to speech and free association by noting that the internet is neither water nor air and that Ahmed would cut off the internet forever if needed in order to ensure public safety. Instead of taking a step back after the international community and a large swath of Ethiopians condemned the rash decision to block the free flow of information, Ahmed doubled down and let it be known that he is the decider when it comes to the internet in Ethiopia...continued...
Read full article at: https://ethiopians4cm.org/crisis-in-ethiopia-2019-8-2/
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