Mauritius is engulfed in a wire-tapping scandal just weeks before its general elections, scheduled for November 10. Reports indicate that phone calls of politicians, journalists, civil society members, and even foreign diplomats have been recorded and leaked online this month, raising significant concerns about privacy and safety.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has revealed that five prominent journalists were among those targeted and has called for an independent investigation into the matter. In a statement released on Thursday, RSF emphasized the serious implications of eavesdropping on journalists and the potential risks to their safety and the confidentiality of their sources. The organization expressed alarm over the widespread nature of the wiretapping, particularly as Mauritius approaches its legislative elections.
As the nation prepares to vote, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and police officials have claimed that the leaked conversations were manipulated using artificial intelligence. However, the affected journalists have verified the authenticity of the calls. Nawaz Noorbux, news director of private radio station Radio Plus, criticized the authorities for using the AI argument as a smokescreen, suggesting they are trying to deflect embarrassment over the issue.
In response to the allegations, Mauritius Telecom issued a statement asserting that the company does not engage in intercepting, monitoring, or manipulating communications in any way.
In the upcoming election, Jugnauth’s ruling Militant Socialist Movement aims to maintain its majority in the National Assembly and secure the Prime Minister another five-year term. Jugnauth assumed the premiership from his father in 2017 without a vote and subsequently led his coalition to victory in the 2019 elections.
