SMS message sending blocked in Tajikistan capital amid calls for mass rallies

According to users, the "message sending failed" text appears on the screen while trying to send SMS. No official comments have been reported on this issue.

Opposition movement "Group-24", which was recognized as extremist in Tajikistan on Thursday, and whose activities were banned in the country, appeared in the social networks last month, encouraging the population of Tajikistan to hold a demonstration at the central square in Dushanbe on October 10. This situation caused the block of websites in Tajikistan.

Tajik Internet providers blocked access to information resources, including CA-News portal and Facebook. Citizens use Internet through proxy servers in order to have access to blocked social network websites and other resources.

Communications service under the Government of Tajikistan has sent a directive to companies providing Internet services a request to temporarily restrict access to websites of news agencies.

The leaders of most political parties and social movements of Tajikistan opposed anti-governmental demonstrations.

The main entrances to Dushanbe are guarded by special task forces and armored vehicles since the evening of October 8, Kazinform refers to AKI Press.

Directors of educational institutions of the Tajik capital warned students of 9, 10 and 11 classes not to walk around the city center on October 10. Relevant explanatory work was also carried out among students of higher educational institutions.