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

The government communications agency blocked more than 200 websites, Facebook and other social networks where opposition activists published their calls for overthrowing the current authorities

DUSHANBE, October 10. /TASS/. Operators have blocked SMS message sending in Tajikistan's capital until further notice, on the government communications agency’s instructions, a source at one of the country’s major communication companies told TASS on Friday.

The operator did not rule out the measures were taken in connection with calls of Group 24 opposition leaders from abroad to gather at Dushanbe’s central square for a mass rally to demand President Emomali Rakhmon’s resignation.

“The republic’s law-enforcement authorities will prevent any anti-constitutional gatherings and marches in the capital and anywhere and thwart any attempts of provocateurs to destabilize the situation in the country,” Tajikistan’s Interior Minister Ramazan Rakhimzoda told TASS on Friday.

Authorities said Dushanbe was under control. “Video cameras record all offences and unsanctioned gatherings of people at public places. Posts at access roads to the capital are reinforced,” they said.

Earlier, the government communications agency blocked more than 200 websites, Facebook and other social networks where opposition activists published their calls for overthrowing the current authorities. The Tajik Supreme Court, following the demand of prosecutors, has included Group 24 in the list of extremist organizations, prohibiting its activities in the country.

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