Chad slows down internet to curb 'hate speech' on social media

But telecoms officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the restrictions had been triggered by a video showing a Chadian military officer in a dispute with two young mechanics.

The images, which are dated July 14, show him opening fire on one of them at point-blank range, before being attacked with a knife.

The video is still circulating on Facebook and WhatsApp, and some users have touched on the ethnic background of the soldier, pointing out that he is from the same community as President Idriss Deby, who took power in 1990.

On Friday, Deby used the festival of Eid al-Adha to attack what he called divisive use of WhatsApp and virtual private networks , both of which bypass public networks.

A consumers' association on Monday called on telecommunications operators to restore access to social networks, saying the restriction was a violation of freedom of expression.

Atelecommunications official told AFP news agency the sector was hoping restrictions would soon be lifted, given their effect on revenue.

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Author: Aljazeera

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