Over 40 NGOs urge end to internet shutdown on Equatorial Guinea island

Malabo: More than 40 rights groups have urged Equatorial Guinea to end an internet shutdown imposed on the tiny island of Annobon as part of a crackdown on environmental protesters.

Last month, authorities arrested dozens after residents spoke out over damage caused by the use of dynamite in mining operations and infrastructure projects on the volcanic island of some 17 square kilometres (6.6 square miles), according to the NGOs.