SOMALIA: The United States shuts down the internet
Somalia's only Internet company and its key telecommunication company have been shut down by the United States, because of suspicions of terrorist links. The United Nations and many nonprofit aid organizations have been affected.
The Somali internet is connected via two companies, Somilia Internet Company and al-Barakaat. The companies are suspected of channelling money to bin Laden's al-Qaeda network. Proof from the United States is not forthcoming so far.
The insufferable arrogance of America's actions in claiming ownership of the right to internet access by people who rely upon it for survival cannot be disputed.
Denial of access means that not only are email and web browsing unavailable, but services such as international telephone connectivity and money transfer facilities are dead. What will the Somalis do? This article decribes some of their reactions. Another story feature s similar information. More details on the effects on the Somali economy are available here.
A fierce discussion is raging on Slashdot.
For local opinion, visit SomaliNet, the Somali portal. This article details the importance of aid reaching deperate Somalis.
Please contact organisations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) to call for action against this violation of human rights. You can mail them by clicking here.