Obama Administration condemns Syria for shuttering Internet

The Obama Administration condemned the Syrian regime for allegedly shutting down Internet and other communication networks amid continuing calls for political reforms. “We are deeply concerned by reports that Internet service has been shut down across much of Syria, as have some mobile communication networks,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.

“We condemn any effort to suppress the Syrian people’s exercise of their rights to free expression, assembly, and association.” The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad “must understand that attempting to silence its population cannot prevent the transition currently taking place,” Sec Clinton said. “We believe that even in the face of significant obstacles, the Syrian people will -- and should -- find a way to make their voices heard.” “States should not arbitrarily deprive or disrupt individuals’ access to the Internet or other networked technologies,” Sec Clinton said, citing the White House’s International Strategy for Cyberspace.