In Mauritius, a dozen internet users have been arrested and placed in custody in the offices of the Cybercrime Unit, for having “uttered threats considered racist or made uncalled-for comments notably on Facebook”. Henceforth, they are accused of cyber criminality and will be brought to justice.

According to the paper “L'Express” of Mauritius, the suspects published “racist comments” on their Facebook wall. This gave rise to animosity from other users. They then posted hateful and insulting messages about religions.

The Mauritian authorities have decided to fight hate and racism on the Internet.

In a communiqué published this 7 September 2015, the Ministry of Technology, Communication and Innovation condemned Facebook profiles created to incite violence and provoke “racial hatred”. Moreover, actions have been announced to retrace these Internet users, warned the Ministry. The fight is being waged by the Cybercrime Unit and the Central Criminal Investigation Department.

In Mauritius, sentences of imprisonment and fines are in place against cyber criminals, according to the ICTA Act of 2001 and that of Computer Misuse and Cyber Crime of 2003.