Sri Lanka blocks social media after mosques attacked

Monday, 13 May 2019 10:20

Sri Lanka has temporarily blocked social media networks and messaging apps following attacks on mosques and Muslim-owned businesses.

Authorities said the block is a short-term measure to prevent the spread of false information in what is described as the worst unrest since the Easter Sunday bombings.

According to reports, several people targeted mosques and Muslim-owned stores in the coastal town of Chilaw in a dispute that started on Facebook.

Police imposed a night-curfew and detained the writer of the facebook post and several attackers.

More from International News

Britain pushes allies to boost Ukraine support as Zelenskyy lands in London

Britain on Friday urged fellow allies of Ukraine to reach a deal to use frozen Russian assets to strengthen its hand for any future peace talks, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London for talks with those allies.
Erdogan says US, others must press Israel to abide by Gaza ceasefire

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the United States and others must do more to push Israel to stop violating the Gaza ceasefire agreement, including the possible use of sanctions or halting arms sales.
EU vows financial backing for Kyiv

European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to meet Ukraine's "pressing financial needs" for the next two years but stopped short of endorsing a plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund a giant loan to Kyiv due to concerns raised by Belgium.
Tourists gawk and recoil at Trump's destruction of the White House East Wing

With many Washington tourist spots closed due to the US government shutdown, some visitors instead are checking out an unexpected and divisive new attraction in the nation's capital: President Donald Trump's surprise demolition of the White House's East Wing.