Trouble in paradise

News Item:
Fiji dictator clamps down on internet access

In case you hadn't heard, there's been a military coup in Fiji, and some self-appointed tin pot soldier named Bainimarama has named himself as the new big dog in town.

Fiji? Fiji? That quiet little island getaway for the rich and famous?

Yep, one and the same. The military deposed the standing government back in December, and since then censorship has become the rule of the land. It started with radio and tv broadcasts, specifically news programs, and has now expanded to the internet and individual bloggers.

What's that you say? You don't like dictators? Well don't be heard saying that in Fiji these days. There is only one internet provider for the entire island. If you blog, you blog through them. It seems most of the island's bloggers post on blogspot.com. The order has been given to block access to certain of those blogs. Bloggers, being the unruly lot that they are, have tried to find ways around the ban, and get their blogs back online. Local IT guys, accused of aiding these arch felons, have been arrested for plotting against the new government.

Fiji?

Links: Sydney Morning Herald --- Boing Boing






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