Zimbabwe court says internet shutdown during protests was illegal

A man checks his mobile phone in Harare, Zimbabwe. [Photo: Reuters]

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe’s High Court ruled on Monday that the security minister had no authority to order mobile operators to shut down internet access to customers during protests last week and that the firms should immediately restore unrestricted access.

Judge Owen Tagu made the ruling as legal challenges began to a brutal clampdown on dissent by the government. Fears the country is veering back towards authoritarian rule have driven some leaders of the main opposition party into hiding.